Andrea asks in her Blog, "What are your tips for staying mentally strong?" That got me thinking:
I have been mentally strong for 14 weeks in a row. In that time I've lost 13.3kg, exercised frequently, and never gained weight. But, rather than thinking, "I've got this sorted now" I keep wondering how much longer this can last. I've never stuck at weightloss for so long before. I have goals to reach for. There's no reason for this to stop. And yet, I expect that it will. And I have no thoughts of "When I'm at goal..." because I've yet to believe that I can do that.
You'll never hear me say, "That's 13.3kg gone forever" because I've been down that road before. I hope I won't gain them back, but I can't be sure, based on past experience.
Small goals are great for me. I want to get my 20kg loss star (1.7 to go). Then the 15% star when I've lost 20.7kg.
I've got down to the lowest weight I've been in many many years. I now fit back into a skirt and blouse that I really loved. My worry is that with no other smaller clothes in the closet, I don't have anything to strive for, other than lower numbers on the scales. I think I'll go out and buy something that I really like, but can't fit yet, to have as a visual goal.
This sounds so negative, when in fact I'm really buzzing about my progress. I think that if I worry out loud about the possibility of losing momentum, then maybe it won't happen??
So Andrea, maybe my only tip for staying mentally strong is: WORRY OUT LOUD!!!
Having a clothes item to aspire to is a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb, I love it and I have to tell you that you are inspiring me MAJORLY! I like the idea of worrying out loud and talking to people about, this might be the best way to get it out of our heads so we can make way for the clear, positive thoughts!
ReplyDeleteI don't see it as negative, it's realistic & I love that you can set the smaller goals & go with them. You will get there & I can't wait till I can "yipppeeee" for you when you do!
ReplyDeleteDeb... i want to take you out for a ww friendly dinner one day when we are passing through! You may not know it but you are one of the few who help me alot more than youll never know. kick my butt when i need it! and i hope you continue to do! You are an inspiration and looking damn good! couldnt beleive it when i saw your latest photos! OMG WOMAN! FAN - BLOODY - TASTIC!
ReplyDeletesmaller goals are great. I do it, and it certainly works for me! I have found that I might gain...but when i get to each of my little milestones, I NEVER go back.
ReplyDeleteand you do need to reward yourself. and what better way then a smaller sized outfit/shirt/jeans that you strive to get into.
I have never been as "thin" as i am now...so I am in a very similar position. no clothes to fit in to. I get told all the time i need to go buy more clothes...but $$$! It frustrates me to spend money when i know i will keep losing weight. Salvos are great!!! :)
But I do have a gorgeous size 12 dress in my cupboard I got off ebay. brand new...so cute...only zips half way up the back...you wait...i will get it all done up and look HOT! Just like you will in all your new outfits you will buy!
And...i love your legs! You have great legs! I am glad you fit into your skirt...you can show them off! :)
Deb, thank you for your WAY too kind comments about my photos!
ReplyDeleteI just added one from 2008, about 1 year BEFORE I started weight watchers.
I still wasn't at my heaviest, but close. You should see the obese me in that photo!!!
The photos of me in my sports clothes were after I had lost 11kg...still obese but I don't think I was morbidly obese!
I have really struggled to find photos of me before! I just don't have any! Hated photos for obvious reasons, so stayed out of them!
Oh, I will add a Bali one...to show how far I have come in comparison! That will be when I had lost about 15 or 16kg. Still can't find the battery recharger so no 22kg loss ones, yet! Bali was end of February.