Before you physically start on your weight loss plan, it is vital that you are mentally prepared for it. The mental challenge of it is much harder than the physical one. The success of your fitness plan depends largely on your readiness to take on the challenge.
Knowing why you should exercise and even how to do it, is not enough. Developing the right mind set is most important to getting inspired and staying motivated, otherwise your weight-loss strategy is likely to buckle under the first challenge you face.
If exercise is to be a lifelong habit and a part of your daily routine, then you have to change your lifestyle. Radical changes might help to lose weight more quickly but those that aren’t sustainable will not be effective over the long term. Change can be hard and overwhelming; it can stress you out and make you give up. But keep in mind that challenges in life are inevitable while being defeated is optional.
Resolve your Emotional Issues
Emotions and food are often intertwined. Emotions like grief, boredom, stress and anger can lead to overeating. Identify any emotional issues related to food and prepare a plan to deal with them.
I started with a self-analysis of why I kept putting off starting an exercise routine and why I could never stick to the sensible diet plan I made for myself. I tend to overeat as I used to tire myself out juggling household chores, four kids and my online writing projects. I realized that I was hesitating to put my diet and fitness plan into action as my mind subconsciously believed ‘less food meant less fuel’ for my body.
Once I understood the root of my problem, I devised a healthy meal plan that gave my mind the confidence that my body will be getting the energy fuel it needed at frequent intervals. My exercise plan was really simple and basic; the aim was to just get started without feeling overwhelmed. I identified various triggers that got me so tired in the first place. I adjusted my daily routines accordingly and ensured I got adequate sleep.
You need to examine your own life, your emotional issues, relationships, etc. and detect the hidden land mines, if any, which are blowing up your fitness plans. You have to re-examine your priorities in life and set them in the right order. Your health should always come first.
Identify other positive and motivating reasons to shed the pounds, such as, toning your body, improving your appearance, increasing your energy levels, setting a good example for your kids, to boost your self-esteem or to simply feel better about yourself.
A Self-fulfilling Prophecy
We are what we think. All that we are, arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world. This a famous quote from the Buddha – Dhammapada.
According to the law of attraction, if you think positively you attract the positive energy and if you are a doom and gloom person you will find all kinds of negative things happening to you.
This may sound like philosophical trash, but personally I have found it to be useful. Since my husband is in the Armed Forces, we get transferred a lot. My last house was a two bedroom apartment where the children played with their toys in the front room. When I first saw the spacious front room of the new three bedroom house we were supposed to move into, I imagined a beautifully set up parlor, free of clutter, toys and crayon scribblings on the wall. When we shifted in, I made my dream come true. It took some effort to enforce the rule, but I was very particular that this room was meant to be kept beautiful and was for entertaining guests. Though the rest of the house looks tornado hit, when the guests come, they admire the well done interiors of the parlor and comment ‘I can’t believe this is a house with so many small kids.’
If you look at sci-fi movies from decades back, whatever gadgets, cars, etc. were portrayed as futuristic, it is all real today. If the human mind can imagine it, then it becomes a possibility and ultimately a reality. You have to believe in yourself and that what you are trying to achieve is possible. Visualize yourself losing weight, becoming healthier and fit. Embrace the vision of your new lifestyle and remain positive. Imagine how good you’ll feel when you weigh less on the scale.
After a couple of childbirths, many women bury their dreams of ever being slim again. They justify that it is only natural and that the priorities of a mother are different. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. I stuck a picture of my wedding photo on the fridge for my motivation. It worked as a constant reminder of how great I will look when I achieve my weight loss goals.
Positivity, Patience and Persistence will definitely help you reach your weight loss targets.
Other Related Articles:
The Most Effective Ways to Kick-Start your Weight-Loss Plan
3 Great Tips to Stay Committed to your Exercise and Weight Loss Plans
anju mobin 