Motivation

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Ando3242

New member
For the last year or so my weight has been around 240 pounds. I'm a 6 foot tall male. Occasionally it will go a bit over, but back down within a day or two. Sometimes I'll drop a few pounds but then gain it back. I have been virtually stagnant.


I have all the diet and exercise knowledge I need. I had lost 50 pounds in the course of 6 months in the past but gained it back slowly over the course of many years. So, I do have the tools, but now I just can't find the drive, will power, and motivation to implement them.


So, I'm looking for help in the motivation area. What motivates you?
 
Couple things I've done:


Pick a few mile stones and set (non-food preferred) rewards for them. For example, my end all reward once I reach lower than 150 I get to take scuba lessons. I also get a free day for every 10 pounds lost and I'm going to come up with a reward or two along the way also. Just make sure it's something you want, but it's also something you can't have until you earn it.


Make a list of all the reasons you want/need to lose weight. Include everything from health issues to just plain looking better. Make it as detailed as possible. I think my list has about 20 things. You can even print this out and hang it up somewhere to help you keep your focus.


Find someone to be your conscience for you (like Jiminy Cricket or an AA sponsor). Could be a spouse, friend, someone on here, whoever. Make a promise that you will confess everything, good and bad, to them and don't break that. You'll find yourself avoiding bad things just because you don't want to admit them. Just make sure it's someone who will kick your butt if you are bad.
 
Originally Posted by mizzie


Couple things I've done:



Pick a few mile stones and set (non-food preferred) rewards for them. For example, my end all reward once I reach lower than 150 I get to take scuba lessons. I also get a free day for every 10 pounds lost and I'm going to come up with a reward or two along the way also. Just make sure it's something you want, but it's also something you can't have until you earn it.



Make a list of all the reasons you want/need to lose weight. Include everything from health issues to just plain looking better. Make it as detailed as possible. I think my list has about 20 things. You can even print this out and hang it up somewhere to help you keep your focus.



Find someone to be your conscience for you (like Jiminy Cricket or an AA sponsor). Could be a spouse, friend, someone on here, whoever. Make a promise that you will confess everything, good and bad, to them and don't break that. You'll find yourself avoiding bad things just because you don't want to admit them. Just make sure it's someone who will kick your butt if you are bad.
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I will try to come up with something like that. You actually reminded me of something I did as a portly kid. I'm a huge video game fan and was always anticipating getting the latest good game that comes out. I know people say video games are a reason for obesity, but it isn't like the very act of playing a game directly makes you gain weight. But, that's beside the point.


Anyways, I'd tell my mother to not allow me to get a certain game if I cheat on my diet/exercise, or I won't be able to get it til I reach a certain milestone. It is difficult to discipline oneself, so anyone helping with accountability is sure a big help.


I do already know quite a few reasons why I want and need to lose weight. Vanity, being able to wear a lot of clothes that used to fit me, increased energy, mood improvement, and general health. I also have a condition called Barret's esophagus which is damage to the lining of the esophagus caused by acid reflux. Losing weight will improve this condition drastically. Also, eating healthy food is better for it as well. That's 2 more reasons right there. I'll sure come up with some more.


Well enough rambling, thanks for the advice!
 
Looking at my high school pictures and putting them in front of myself when all possible. That is highly motivating! :)


Jake
 
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