Weight loss is a journey, and any journey has its ups and downs. When trying to lose weight, you may experience challenges, such as a weight-loss plateau or slow progress. And this is when you need to find the motivation to stay on track.
In this brief guide, we’ll discuss ways to stay motivated during your weight loss journey. Here are five ways to stay motivated when you’re trying to shed off excess weight and stay fit.
Set Small, Achievable Targets
You have to set goals to see progress. And since our brain’s wiring makes us excited when we achieve a goal, the best thing to do is to set small targets chained to the long-term objective.
When setting goals, be specific. Avoid setting vague goals, such as “I’ll run longer tomorrow.” Instead, say, “I’ll increase my runs by one mile tomorrow.” By setting specific goals, you can measure your progress to see if you’ve hit the target. In addition, be realistic with your goals. It’s pretty challenging to add five miles to your runs all at once, but you can do it gradually.
Surround Yourself With Positive-Minded People
Positivity always overcomes negativity, and this becomes more evident with weight loss. Therefore, finding a friend or a support group who cheers you up will help you stay on track.
A good support group will give you the morale to continue going to the gym when you’re struggling. Everyone in the group holds each other accountable, helping you keep going. Know the benefits of a support group and let them motivate you during stressful times.
Adjust Your Environment
What we see around us influences our choices. When trying to lose weight, you don’t want temptations. That’s why you should stock your fridge with lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
Also, keep your workout clothes in a visible spot at night so that you can feel motivated to work out when you wake up. Additionally, choose restaurants that offer lots of healthy dishes.
By making these minor adjustments, you’ll be in a better place to avoid slip-ups in your weight loss journey.
Reward Yourself After Hitting a Major Milestone
As we mentioned earlier, our minds get excited when we achieve a goal, and now you can take the excitement up a notch by giving yourself a small reward. Remember that rewards can be more than your cheat meals. Find what makes you happy and reward yourself with that when you achieve your targets.
Make Your Workouts Fun
There are days that you’ll force yourself to work out. On such days, make your workouts fun. If you enjoy exercising outdoors, take a walk on serene trails. For those who enjoy dancing, put on your favorite genre and dance to it. Also, don’t be afraid to try out different workouts, such as kickboxing or yoga, to spice up your routine.
The most important thing is to keep going. Integrate several or all the above ways to stay motivated during your weight loss journey to stay on track.
