I read something the other day about motivation (sorry, I can’t remember where). The article was about getting kids to behave the way they are supposed to, but it really clicked with me about weight loss.
The gist was that there are two ways to motivate yourself, positively and negatively. Positive motivators are all about rewarding yourself for your accomplishments, while negative motivators serve to remind you of what you are doing wrong (or something like that).
For example, if you have a child that is misbehaving all the time and you are constantly correcting them for what they do wrong then you are focusing on the negative. All they hear is “no, no, no, no…” Which isn’t wrong, but you should also reward them when they do something good. For example, when I wanted Big Girl to stay in her room and not wake me up we rewarded her with cold hard cash. Of course you only want to do this until the behavior becomes habit.
I realized that this is what I do with weight loss. I beat myself up for gaining weight, curse myself for being out of shape, talk trash to myself about the way I look… I’m sure you get the idea. While I was reading that article I had a light bulb moment. What if instead of telling myself how much I suck for being where I am I reward myself for where I’m going. (How many of you just thought “duh?”)
With that in mind I’ve of come up with a list of carrots to dangle in front of my nose… so to speak:
- 20 pound loss – I will get a pedicure. This is a reward because I hardly ever do this during winter.
- 30 pound loss – I will buy myself a new outfit that does not have a purpose. Huh? Most of the time I buy clothes because I need them for something. This will be purely something I want for no reason other than I like it.
- 40 pound loss – Book a massage appointment. This is something I love to do, but always tell myself, “I’ll do it later. I don’t have the time/money.” Not anymore.
- 50 pound loss – I will buy myself a pair of cowboy boots. I’ve been wanting a pair for over a year and I keep talking myself out of it.
Source: cavenders.com via Jennifer on Pinterest
- 60 pound loss – I will get a fancy apron. I know that seems kind of like a silly reward, but that’s the point. I’ve wanted one for awhile, but won’t spend the money on one.
I think that’s a good start. Mostly because that’s all I can think of for right now. After I reach this point I’ll come back and update my list.
Seeing the numbers go down on the scale, like they did again this week, feels great, but it also helps to have something to work towards as opposed to something to work away from.
If you are trying to lose weight, or are trying to reach some other goal, what would you choose for motivation?
Loss this week: 1.8 pounds
Total loss: 14.6 pounds
For more of my weight loss journey check out the Losing It tab above.
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
Those are great rewards! I too only buy clothes when I “need” them for something specific. What fun to spurge just because….
Keep up your hard work!
Thanks. That was one of the easiest rewards to pick, but will be one of the hardest ones to do.
You’ll be getting a pedicure soon! Woohoo! Way back when I first started running my goal was to run an entire 5K. When I did I got an iPod. It was definitely good motivation!
Yes, it will be soon whether I lose the 20 or not. LOL I have to have it done before the ball. I guess that one was kind of cheating.
Those boots are so hot! I love it! and I really love all your little rewards around the soon, so important!
I love those boots, but they’re just an example. I’ll have to find ones that will fit my wide foot.
i am proud of you. Weight watchers WORKS…I am going back tonight to reestablish my membership, my “fat” pants are fitting right now. Time to get back on the wagon.
You know you can do it because you’ve done it before! The wagon is fun. Come on up here and ride with me.
Excellent idea! I’ll meet you for that pedicure, I need one too.
We could make it a girls day. Seriously, we need to get together!
Hot boots too – can’t wait!
I know we need to get together! That pedicure will probably be the first weekend in February. I’ve got to do it before the ball.
Sexy boots. I bet you never make it out the door in those.
One day, I was trying on pants in the size I thought I was, and looked weird. Well, I tried on the next size down and realized that was what I wanted. It had been my goal all along. I had been trying for a pounds number. BUt that wasn’t it for me. I felt a huge sense of satisfaction with the size of the jeans. My weight was higher than I thought it would be, I guess.
Better body shape is way more important than a number on a scale.
You should definitely reward yourself! You are working hard. Give yourself credit where credit is due. As for the cowboy boots…love them!!!
It is so hard to reward myself. It goes back to the me not being selfish thing. I’m working on it though.
I think that is a great idea!! One woman in our WW group, took herself on a cruise when she reached lifetime. Of course she had many other goals because she lost a lot of weight over a period of a few years. But, her ultimate was that cruise and she said she knew once she was at her “goal weight” and happy to be seen in her clothes again- that feeling that good about herself would keep her from overindulging on the ship. Of course, she did treat herself a little, but she kept the “nothing tastes as good as being thin feels” motto in her head.
That’s awesome! I’m scared to set a big goal like that because what if I don’t have the money when I reach it. Then I would be all disappointed.
I think that motivational things are great. I have one big prize waiting for me – a tattoo.
I’m too scared to get a tattoo. I have a huge fear of needles. And pain. But go you!
Bad. Ass. Boots.
I say do it. Like today. And find another goal for the grand finale.
And it appears somebody is pretty darn close to getting her tootsies buffed and polished. YAY FOR YOU!
I’m hoping I’ll lose some weight in my feet first. LOL
I can’t wait to see you walkin’ in those boots! You go, girl!
You are doing awesome! Can’t wait to see your boots.
My sister did something similar to motivate her with different things and it was very effective.
I’m thinking, maybe I could do something for motivating to gain weight? Nah, not really, I’m doing just fine with gaining weight with three weeks left, but still, then I wouldn’t feel bad about a reward!
Rewarding yourself is a BIG help. And those are some AWESOME rewards!
Ah! I love lightbulb moments. Perfect idea and I love all your rewards!
Good luck. You can do it! I’m using GymPact to motivate me now. I’ve earned a whole $4 so far… it’s so little, but it makes me so excited. I don’t quite understand it.