How To Motivate Your Weight Loss Success

The strongest motivation is internal.  That drive comes from within yourself.  Unless you want to make the necessary changes in your eating and exercise habits, they won’t happen!  But sometimes, despite that strength from within, you need a little push, or pull, from outside of yourself.  You know how it is – you planned to start exercising last Thursday, but something came up so you’ll plan to start it next week or so.  For most of us, it’s all too easy to let things slip.  That’s why external motivation almost always plays a role in a successful weight loss program.

Here are some external sources of motivation that seem to work:

• Identify a support person before you start and share with them your plan and a firm start date. Give them permission to nag you if need be.
• If possible, join others trying to lose weight to encourage each other and track your individual progress.
• If available, consider joining a weight loss competition where you can win prizes based upon your weight loss success.
• Put some “skin in the game.” Some competitions require an entry fee.  You could also buy some new clothes in your target size based upon your goal weight.  You’ll be so proud of yourself when you reach your weight goal and can wear them comfortably!

What are some other sources of motivation that you’ve used?  Share them in a comment.

For Your Health! – Dr. Bob