Remember Why You Started – Weight Loss Motivation

I looked at my morning calendar for some weight loss motivation and saw,

“Feel like giving up?  Remember why you started.  What’s your why?”

-Fitlosophy Calendar

 

Knowing “Why” Can Be Your Best Weight Loss Motivation

As I sit at my desk, typing my latest confession, I notice a saying on a weight loss motivational calendar my daughter bought me for Christmas, “Feel like giving up? Remember why you started. What is your Why?”

Remember Why You Started -Weight Loss Motivation

 

What Is My Why?

What is my “why?”  Why have I been ferociously dieting and exercising to lose weight?

I felt a teardrop on my cheek before I could even start typing the words.  The memory of one of my ‘whys’ is still crisp… Knowing travel and fine dining are my daughter’s love languages, I took her to the mountains and made reservations at a picturesque restaurant with beautiful views.

The traffic took a little longer than expected and we were both starving by the time we got there.  I went to the bathroom and my daughter headed straight for the buffet.

When I came out of the bathroom I noticed she didn’t get me anything.  I asked her why she hadn’t in my hangry voice.  She responded with, “Mom, I never know what diet you are on.”

The tears started flowing and I couldn’t even look at her. What type of example was I setting for my daughter? Was I negatively impacting her body image?  Would she grow up thinking constant dieting is just part of life? How could she respect me?  This had to be the 16th diet I was on since she was born. And to make matters worse, I knew, my mom constantly dieting when I was a child contributed to my own unhealthy relationship with diet and exercise.  The thought of me doing the same or worse to my daughter was unbearable.

And Another Why

My Dad and I had spent the week in Maine on Lake Sebago with my kids. It was a wonderful trip with a plethora of delicious blueberry pancakes, perfect weather, great beach time, good music, and roaring campfires.

We returned home to my house in Boston to prepare for his flight home in the morning.  My dad was in a very talkative mood and told me stories about his childhood and mine until 2:00 AM.

When I finally stood up and said I needed to go to sleep, he stood and kissed me on the head. “Pooh (my childhood nickname), you need to lose that weight”. I stood speechless.

He must have felt my shock because words just started flowing from his mouth. “You know you are beautiful either way, so you don’t have to worry about that. We don’t have to worry about your husband, because God knows he loves you.”

I quickly recognized the look on his face he made when he was choking back tears, “for Dad, please”.  He went in for a second kiss on the forehead and his tear rolled off his cheek and onto my forehead.

My dad flew home the next morning and passed in his sleep unexpectantly a few weeks later. For all practical purposes, I consider my weight loss to be his dying wish.

Turning Your Why Into Motivation

Your Why Into Motivation That Will Keep You On Track Throughout Your Weight Loss Journey

While knowing your “why” is very powerful, it isn’t always enough. Your ‘why(s)” need to convert to motivation that will compel you to tenaciously work towards your goals.  Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?  Well, not always.  Experts recommend revisiting your “why frequently” and allowing yourself to feel the emotions associated with it.  Journaling about your “why” can also be very helpful.  Putting pictures and notes in places where you will see them several times a day can be a powerful tool, too.

Motivational Posts, Videos, and Articles To Help You Stay Motivated Throughout Your Weight Loss Journey

I recently googled, “Remember Why You Started” and was amazed at the number of inspirational and motivational posts the concept was part of.  There are even youtube videos about it.   Shape Magazine lists remembering why you started in their top 23 Best Weight-Loss Motivation Tips article and Charm View published an article titled Remember Why You Started: Staying on Track With Your Fitness Goals. Motivational speakers and coaches everywhere agree that having a firm “why” is key to success in reaching any goal, especially weight loss goals.

Those who have a “why” to live by, can bear almost any “how.” – Viktor Frankl

So, What about you.  What’s your why?  I would love to hear it.  And if I can help, I would like to help you turn your why into a how!

Cheers,

Tanya ~Weight Loss & Wellness Coach

 

The Heart of My Why

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