It is very important to determine and establish your “Why” when you want to lose weight and switch to living a healthy lifestyle. Your Why will help with your weight loss and keep you accountable to your goals. Your Why will also change and/or expand as you and your needs change.
For me, my Why for losing weight was survival. I wanted to live for myself and for my daughter’s sake. At the rate I was gaining weight (that was exasperating health problems), I probably would have been dead within a few years. Several months into my weight loss journey, I found out I was going to be a grandmother. My Why expanded. Not only did I want to live for myself, but I wanted to live for my grandchild and to be able to enjoy and play with her. Further along on my journey, my Why expanded to include wanting to be attractive to myself and others. Then, as I became stronger and more mobile, my Why expanded more to include my desire to compete in running and adventure races.
Take the time to really figure out your Why. Do you want to lose weight to fit into your old clothes sitting in the closet? Is it to enjoy and play with your children/grandchildren? Is it to reverse illnesses such as Type 2 Diabetes, asthma, or arthritis? Is it to be able to move about freely and without pain? Is it to be able to walk up a flight of stairs without gasping for air? Is it to look better in a bikini at the beach this summer?
Really define your Why. Write down all the reasons you can think of for wanting to lose weight. Then highlight or circle the top two or three reasons. Write your list out again with your highlighted reasons at the top of the list in order of priority. Post your list where you will see it throughout the day. Post it on the bathroom mirror so that you see it first thing in the morning, at your desk at work, on the refrigerator, at your computer. Keep a copy in your purse or wallet. This will help keep you accountable. If you are having a weak moment, look at your list. Let it be your reminder of why you are making the lifestyle changes you are making. When your reasons change or expand, rewrite your list and repost it.
Determining and writing out your Why can also be applied for any lifestyle change you want to make including gaining muscle mass and strength or increasing your speed and agility. You can use it for other life changes you wish to make as well, such as starting a new home business, making a career change, doing a major renovation on your home, etc. No matter your goals, let your Why help keep you accountable.
I have successfully lost more than half my body weight. You can read my story here.
That is absolutely true. I find that I am way more motivated to lose weight when I remember why I’m doing it.
When I lose motivation, I remind myself of my Why.
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner
That is awesome. I lost a ton last year and I need to work on eating better as I have Gestational Diabetes. 🙁
Best thing to remember is to eat protein at every meal and eat lots of veggies and go light on the carbs from grains. Get your carbs from lots of veggies instead. Best wishes to you!
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner
I’ve dieted many times before, but this time feels different. I have really been different this time.
That’s great! Like you, I dieted many times. I probably tried every fad diet out there. One day it all changed and I stopped dieting and just started eating healthy and started walking. I determined my Why and never looked back.
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner
I always knew what my WHY was – avoiding Type 2 Diabetes and all of the other health problems all of the overweight people in my family face!
That’s great that you realized it. Lots of people believe that since a lot of their family are unhealthy, they are doomed and don’t even try to break the cycle of disease.
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner
I’ve recently lost about 30 pounds, and my Why was health issues, too. And I’ve noticed lately that I want to continue to lose a little more, plus maintain it because my Why has turned into wanting to look more attractive, too. 🙂
What an inspiration your weight loss story is!
Good for you for losing 30 pounds already! Your Why will continue to expand through different phases of your life. Keep up the great work!
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner
I have so much weight to lose and I’m dreading it like the plague. Ugh. Least favorite thing to do is focus and work out.
When we have a lot of weight to lose, it does seem quite daunting. Set small goals for yourself such as losing 10% of your weight. Once you reach that goal, go for another 10%. Working out doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore. It can simply be getting in a nice stroll around the neighborhood a time or two at a time. As you lose weight, you will have more energy and stamina to get in more walking or other exercise. I can help you. Feel free to friend me on Facebook and send me a message and we will talk.
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner
For me it is about feeling better, more energy, and looking better. Also want to show my kids how important it is to take care of yourself.
I’m with you. Setting a good example for the little ones is so important! I try to set a good example for my grandchildren. They already know that exercise is important to me and they exercise with me when they are visiting.
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner
That’s great that you lost so much. My daughter and I are going to try a three day diet next week to help us get jump started.
Good for you! It does help to have some to diet and exercise with. Best of luck to you both!
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner
What a great thing to think about. Knowing why is important and will help you stay on track.
It works especially if you write it out so you can see it every day.
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner
Good luck and it’s so true that you need to find the compass that keep you on the path to weight loss success.
Thank you! Knowing my Why does help keep me on the right path to reaching my goals.
Rachael
http://facebook.com/rachael.ebner