Weight loss motivation
I once heard a
motivational speaker say that motivation was fueled either
by our desire for gain or our desire to avoid pain. I
decided to write this article to try and relate the
pain/gain motivation philosophy to help with your motivation
for weight loss.
Let me give some
examples of what would be considered "desire for gain" or
"desire to avoid pain" as it relates to weight loss.
Desire for gain: Gain
the admiration of another, gain extra energy, gain a
healthier blood profile, gain a new wardrobe, gain personal
satisfaction, or gain health. These are just a few examples
of what might motivate you if you are the type that responds
to the desire for gain.
Can you think of
something that really excites you - something that you will
gain if you reach your weight loss goals?
Let's say that gaining
the attention and admiration of another is a powerful weight
loss motivation for you. Visualize that particular person
paying you a compliment on how great you look. Think about
it often and how great it feels to hear it. Another example
may be your desire for a healthier blood profile. Make a
copy of your existing blood profile and edit it to the
healthy numbers you are shooting for. Hang that copy on your
refrigerator and visualize your doctor congratulating you on
a job well done.
Desire to avoid pain:
Avoid a heart attack, avoid having to go up a size, avoid
not being able to go hiking with friends, avoid having to go
on blood pressure medicine, avoid adult onset diabetes, or
avoid the pain of your spouse telling you that you need to
lose weight.
Do you have an
inevitable pain coming if you continue your lifestyle? Is it
powerful enough to motivate you to change? Let's say you are
really motivated to avoid the pain of your spouse telling
you that you need to lose a few pounds. Imagine how it will
feel to hear those words. Use this imagined scenario to
motivate you to make wiser food choices and to push you
further in your workouts.
I am not sure how
scientifically sound this desire for gain/avoid pain
motivation theory is. But it does seem to work for some
people. Perhaps it will help you find a trigger that is a
powerful weight loss motivator for you.
Always seek the advice
of your physician before starting a weight loss or exercise
program. Remember to keep it healthy – take those pounds off
in a slow and healthy way and they will stay off.
Sincerely,
Bill
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