Get Your Weight Loss Mindset on First
Many people start a weight loss plan or routine without getting their mindset ready. This often leads to giving up, especially when you don’t see immediate results. However, if you prepare yourself mentally you can see better results and maybe even having more fun doing it.
Here are some tips to help you get your mindset on first.
First of all, realize that getting your mind prepared for losing weight or starting an exercise program may take a few weeks. Most likely you’ve dreaded working out and losing weight for a long time. You won’t change your mind over night, but you can change it in a few short weeks.
Start using daily affirmations to motivate yourself and get your mindset ready. In a way you need to start convincing yourself that you’ll enjoy it, it will be fun and you can do it. You may also have to get completely disgusted with yourself so you’ll start. Do not let that translate into guilt and beating yourself up. Get mad at yourself instead. You really are worth taking care of yourself and getting in better shape.
Accept and prepare for setbacks. So many people fail or give up because they weren’t expecting setbacks to occur and they weren’t prepared for them. Keep telling yourself that they can happen and have a plan to deal with them when they do. You can either work out harder, cut back on your food intake or use stronger affirmations during these times.
Start visualizing the new you. You need to get a clear image of how you want to look and feel. If you keep seeing yourself as overweight, that’s how you’ll remain. You don’t have to visualize yourself as a stick person, but you do need to see a smaller version of you. Also don’t forget to add emotions into your visualizations. Imagine how you will feel when the weight is off. Imagine things you’ll do or clothes you’ll wear. This will help make it stick in your mind.
Stop looking in the mirror and getting on the scales. These two things can sabotage you quicker than anything. I know you need to look in the mirror if you wear make-up or to brush your hair. Only look at your face, get the job done and then get away from the mirror.
Looking at the numbers on the scale doesn’t do much for your self esteem either. Instead of worrying about the pounds, start focusing on how you want to feel or how much better you’re starting to feel.
Be prepared for not feeling great in the beginning. I know, all of those really fit health enthusiasts tell you how much better you will feel when you start exercising. In most cases it simply isn’t true. It will take time to feel better. In fact, you will most likely feel worse and more tired when you first begin a new exercise program. Get ready for it and do it anyway. You should start feeling better within a month, but don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t happen in the first two weeks.
Start getting your mindset ready before you ever attempt to start an exercise or weight loss program. It will help keep you motivated and can possibly keep you from skipping your routine within the first few days. Give it a shot.