It is very hard to lose weight without the proper motivation. What motivates us to do anything? Is it the goal, the outcome, success, competition, etc. whatever it is it drives us to push until we get what we want. So how come the obesity rates are going up? And how is it that so many people want to lose weight but don’t? Motivation is one if the key factors in ones ability to lose weight and keep it off. If you don’t have the proper motivation to lose weight you are more likely to quit before you even see any results.

Wanting to lose weight and actually doing it are two completely different things. The difference is the motivation that gets us up off our butts and actually doing something about it. So what motivates you and how do you continue to motivate yourself throughout the process of losing weight?

Objectively, losing weight is the outcome you want to achieve but your motivation is why you want to lose weight. Everyone has different reasons for wanting to lose weight. Some examples include wanting to be skinny or be skinnier than you are, wanting to be healthy, wanting to be able to fit into clothes you like, being able to do certain sports or activities that interest you, live longer, reduce your risk for disease, etc. whatever the reason is this is the source of your motivation. So how do you use this motivation to keep you on track and ultimately help you to achieve your goals?

Because everyone’s motivations are different you have to be creative in the way that you motivate yourself on a daily basis to continue to eat healthy ad exercise. Reminder or sticky notes with encouraging messages placed around your home, workspace or in your car are a daily motivator. Pictures of what you want your overall outcome to be when you lose your weight that way if you get down or need a pick me up you can look at them and know that this is what you are going to achieve by sticking with it. Pictures of your family, kids or friends so that you know you will be around for them in the future by becoming healthy. You can buy that piece of clothing in the size that you want to get to and know that once you Lose that weight you will be able to wear it. Achievement gifts such as a book, piece of jewelry or shoes when you reach small goals will also motivate you to continue on your weight loss path (avoid using food gifts such as Sweets or dinner which will only set you back and discourage you). Keep a diary, journal or calendar so you can track your work ethic and progress. If you are competitive, have a competition between friends that way it forces you to work harder.

There is no right or wrong way to motivate yourself. Everyone responds differently to different types of motivation. Some people prefer to be pushed harder while others work at their own pace. Whatever it takes to keep you exercising and eating healthy to achieve your weight loss goals is the best motivator for you!