Top 50 Things to Focus on Instead of Losing Weight

They say a watched pot never boils. Ever notice it’s like that with weight loss – the more you watch the scale, the more you focus on losing weight, the longer it takes to be successful?

That’s why this month I’m sharing my “Top 50 things to focus on instead of losing weight.” So, while you’re doing all the right things, take your focus off the scale and try putting it on a few of these:

1. 1. Health – choose one aspect to improve or address
   2. Energy levels
   3. Fitness level
   4. Strength for daily activities – work to improve your strength so they become easier
   5. Posture
   6. Balance
   7. Flexibility
   8. Building resilience to handle setbacks
   9. Capacity – creating space and margin for what’s most important
   10. Meditation
   11. Vocational satisfaction
   12. Family connections
   13. Your partner’s happiness
   14. Your happiness (unrelated to weight!)
   15. Relaxation
   16. Fun & recreation
   17. Simplifying your calendar
   18. Reading on a new subject
   19. Revisiting a favorite book
   20. Learning a new language
   21. Cooking a new type of food (e.g. Moroccan)
   22. Being a bad a$$
   23. Community involvement
   24. Serving the under-served
   25. Finding ways to be kind
   26. A new hobby
   27. Re-acquainting yourself with a hobby from your past
   28. Discovering the positive in each situation
   29. Finding the lesson in anything
   30. Being your best self
   31. Spiritual formation
   32. Mental stimulation
   33. Beautifying your environment
   34. Contentment
   35. Clearing out clutter
   36. Seeking to see the best in people whom you normally would not
   37. The awesomeness of nature
   38. Finding new outdoor adventures
   39. How much you already have
   40. Learning a new sport or activity
   41. What you appreciate in others
   42. Stewarding your finances
   43. Being generous
   44. Building up others
   45. Strengthening friendships
   46. Keeping a (mostly) weed-free yard
   47. Daily brushing & flossing
   48. How much water you drink
   49. Gratitude
   50. Enjoying the present moment

In deciding where to place your focus, consider what sounds fun, interesting or motivating. As you engage in the necessary behaviors to reach your goals and focus on really living well, the weight tends to follow.

Where will you choose to focus?