Why is weight loss a dirty word?

Have you noticed the message that it’s not okay to want to lose weight? We went from fat shaming (which is NOT acceptable) to shaming those who want to lose weight? What on earth?!

I’m embarrassed to admit I was part of the problem.

I even told a potential client I wasn’t interested in helping her with a goal of slimming her belly, as though it wasn’t a worthy-enough ambition. Ugh!

There’s merit to the attitude of getting healthy to lose weight v. losing weight to get healthy. Constantly thinking about “good” foods and “bad” foods is unproductive; lamenting an increase in the scale works against you. 

We need to tune into our bodies. Appreciate them. Not pick them apart. 

want to lose weight

And do not think life will be better when you lose weight. Or worse, think that YOU will be better when you lose weight. You are worthy and amazing as you are now. 

But for someone to pretend that health is the only objective if it isn’t, is self-deception.  

And it’s harder to follow through consistently. Think about it. Half-heartedly pursuing health, pretending weight loss isn’t important, while wishing you could just fit into those slacks in the back of your closet…it’s an exhausting mental tug-of-war. 

That’s when I realized I needed to be honest with myself and help my clients do the same. 

It’s okay to want to look hot in a dress!

And feel confident taking pictures. 

And easily slide into that favorite pair of jeans.

No matter your age, if you want to lose weight, claim it. All of it. Imagine what’s possible for you and go for it. Full out. Improve your blood sugars; get off meds; be active with the grandkids; have a hot & steamy relationship with your sweetie; get back to hiking, kayaking, whatever you want to do. And have the body you want. 

I call it being a Healthy Hottie. 

What will you call it?

Top 50 Ways to Stay Motivated

Photo by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash

Do you get caught up in the daily routine, finding it difficult to stay motivated? I mean, “how can I stay motivated with pages of to-do lists?”

This is one of the most common challenges my clients express, so this month I’m sharing my Top 50 ways to Stay Motivated. It’s not magic. It’s not something you “have or you don’t.” It’s something you can create to get and keep yourself on track!

    1. Hang with positive people
    2. Limit your time with negative people
    3. Better yet, shift conversations to the positive with those people
    4. Have motivating conversations
    5. Stop focusing on what’s not working
    6. Concentrate on your abilities, on what you can do
    7. Congratulate yourself for even the smallest achievements
    8. Talk about why you want to achieve your goals and keep your intention front and center
    9. Seek out the company of people you admire
    10. Watch a competition (one requiring dedication and focus, not a hot dog eating contest!)
    11. Write out your “why” and put it on your screensaver
    12. Break big goals into small, do-able actions
    13. Read a biography of someone inspiring
    14. Make a pact with a friend to have positive, problem-solving conversations
    15. Limit time spent wallowing (literally, set a timer)
    16. When discouraged, feel it then change your mental channel
    17. Remind yourself of prior successes and learn from them
    18. Celebrate your skills and talents
    19. Connect your skills and talents with working on your goals
    20. Take micro breaks in order to recharge and come back refreshed to the task
    21. Focus on what you can control. because that’s where your power is
    22. Let go of what you can’t, because it’s unhelpful
    23. Set out a reward for yourself (I did that last month and achieved my goals with 2 weeks to spare!)
    24. Schedule enjoyment for after a not-so-fun task (but one that gets you to your goal)
    25. Challenge the “have tos” and “shoulds”

      Ever get caught up in the daily routine, finding it difficult to stay motivated? I mean, "how can I stay motivated with pages of to-do lists?"
      Photo by Jessica Lewis on Unsplash
    26. Reflect your personal empowerment by saying “I choose”
    27. Ask for help – if someone’s working with you it keeps you going, too
    28. When faced with temptation ask, “What do I want more than this?” (Thanks to Rob Bell for that question!)
    29. Make sure your goals are your goals, not your partner’s, parent’s or doctor’s
    30. Have a mantra or phrase for when things get tough and repeat it often
    31. Create a vision of what success looks like and read it daily
    32. Remind yourself of a time you’ve overcome obstacles in the past
    33. Ask your partner or a friend for specific support when you’re feeling down
    34. Don’t wait to “feel” motivation – create it yourself
    35. Identify multiple ways to experience success
    36. Mentor someone else – it keeps you accountable
    37. Schedule play time, then working on your goals becomes less of a chore
    38. Treat yourself well, like you deserve it (because, of course, you do)
    39. Meditate to start the day feeling centered
    40. Create a pleasing environment (home, work and car)
    41. Buy clothes you feel good in
    42. Volunteer and see how it makes you appreciate your life even more
    43. Look for opportunities to be grateful
    44. Read a daily inspirational quote (I use the Full Focus Planner)
    45. Ask others how they stay motivated and learn from them
    46. Identify multiple ways to achieve your goals so that you have options
    47. Be okay with less than perfect, because that’s the only real option
    48. Expect failure – because it happens – that way you’re not surprised and it doesn’t derail you
    49. When you fail, identify what it makes possible
    50. Be compassionate when you fail because self-flagellation is so unproductive!

 

As you employ these strategies you’ll notice crossover, that one breeds another and the next one.  Your behaviors become easier the more your practice, which is to say they become habits. The more you create habits that support you, the less effort required to actually achieve your goals.

Who doesn’t want that?!

8 Quick & Easy Ways to Kickstart Feeling Better and Getting Fit.

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