[determined2succeed]

Ladies -

Throughout this whole calorie-counting weight loss journey, I've found that there are things that will motivate me to keep going when I am feeling like I am not making any progress. It's things like this that remind me of the overall goal and whole picture.



1. Reaching breaking point (ie. breaking 160 lbs, etc.)
2. Fitting into jeans that are your "skinny jeans"
3. Having peeople who haven't seen you in a while comment on how great you look
4. Noticing that your face looks thinner when applying makeup
5. Comparing yourself now to old photographs
6. The ability to pass on a high-calorie dessert/meal & feeling good about it

...& the list goes on.. and these are all wonderful motivators!

What are some of yours?

[Irishowl]

My number 1 goal is to be able to get pregnant and carry to term. I have PCOS, Endometriosis and my Dr did not think I could do that at my highest weight.......272.

Other things that motivate me are:

~When my partner comments on how differant my body feels.
~Positive comments from friends and coworkers.
~Fitting into clothing I haven't worn in years.
~Feeling stronger and more positive.


Shannon

[senorita]

Lol... I definately agree with you both there on the skinny jeans!

Well, all of the things you mentioned are true for me as well, but the ultimate one is this:

The unhealthy, sedentry life I used to have is not the way I want to live my life... I never had a thunderbolt moment or realisation because deep down I always knew it, but one day I just acknowledged that it will NEVER get easier and the longer I wait, the harder it will be and the more time I will have lost that I could have spent living the life I've always wanted. So that day I did something about it and ate better, exercised. And the next day, even though it would have been easier to ignore it and put it off another day, I made good decisions... so I guess just the realisation that "if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got".

[Soggy]

~Knowing I won't want to look in the mirror and cry.
~Putting on clothes I haven't worn in a long time

There are so many things, but those two are my biggest.

[chrissyk]

The thing that motivates me the most is that I know that I look great, but I am also so much healthier than I was when I was overweight.

I have just entered my 2nd month of maintenance after losing 65 pounds and am going strong.

Swimsuit season is around the corner and it is my goal to tone up and look fab in my new swimsuit !!!

[beckyh]

Seeing the number on the scale go down is great motivation for me.

I also really want to break 160 lbs

I have a pair of skinny jeans (size 10) hanging in my closet that are taunting me. I can't wait to put those on soon.

Swimsuit season is approaching and I don't want to be embarrased to put one on.

[determined2succeed]

These are all GREAT motivators! Let's keep the list going!

Ladies -- you are all doing an AMAZING JOB!

Shannon -- I am sure you will reach your goal of carrying to term! This is exactly the type of thing that will help get you there! Isn't it just great getting comments from your significant-other and people that say nice things about your appearance?


Senorita -- I felt the same thing last May. I woke up one day decided to make a change for good. I knew that there was only one way to achieve that goal. It seems like you have a good head on your shoulders and I completely agree with "if you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got".

Soggy -- Putting on clothes that you haven't worn in a while is GREAT! I absolutely love doing that. It feels great knowing that extra fat is gone for good and now that particular piece of clothing fits the way it is supposed to!

Chrissy -- Way to go! 65 pounds gone! You are rid of that extra weight for good. What a huge achievement -- congrats! You are going to look HOT in your new bathing suit!

Becky -- I was in the exact same boat as you. i started out at 170 lbs and let me tell you... when I broke 160 pounds it was absolutely AMAZING. Just seing the scale begin with 15X was GREAT! Make sure to let us know when you break 160 lbs so we can do a cyber-toast to you! It is a great feeling... just wait till you break 150 lbs after that! Your skinny jeans will be on you soon instead of hanging in your closet!

GREAT MOTIVATORS! KEEP 'EM COMING!

[Doughnut]

Remembering how miserable I felt in my swimsuit on my last proper beach holiday

PS - i was 148 then

[Doughnut]

Remembering how miserable I felt in my swimsuit on my last proper beach holiday

PS - I was 148 then

[Berridrops]

What motivates me? Well....

Knowing that I won't be at risk for cardiac, diabetes and other diseases.

Knowing that my self esteem will sky rocket.

Knowing I can go to the drs without being nervous about the weight talk.

Knowing that I will be able to fit into some sexy clothes!! I can't wait to shop shop shop. I love clothes but not big people clothes.

Knowing that I can go on an airplane without having to worry about being uncomfortable because I am the fat one.

Knowing that if I get invited to a party I can go comfortably. When I get invited to parties now, I usually don't show up because of my weight.

Knowing that I won't be shedding tears anymore because of me being fat.

[alinnell]

Being able to pick up a pair of shorts/pants that you haven't had on in over 6 months (because of the weather) and KNOWING that they will fit!

Seeing the number on the scale and knowing that you haven't seen that number in over 6 years.

Feeling like you are worth it because you know you look like you're worth it.

Seeing a photo from a year or more ago compared with a photo from today and revel in the knowledge that you ARE skinnier and you look so much better!

Getting compliments from strangers. (I was shopping on Monday and the sales clerk said to me "with that flat tummy, this pair of pants would look great on you.")

[rockinrobin]

Oh gosh there is a lot of stuff that motivates me. A few:

-Wanting to be around for my children and grandchildren (when the time comes)
- being able to do whatever I want physically.
-I want to lessen the chance for certain cancers, heart disease and diabetes.
- wanting to have confidence
-the thought of having a huge wardrobe of fantastic clothing, where each and every outfit for everyday of my life is an absolute winner. which of course includes fabulous shoes and boots.
-wanting my family to be proud of me.
-I never ever want to be 287 lbs again or 200 and anything pounds again. Never. Ever. Big motivation.

[athenac]

- My current clothes, and the clothes I want to wear
- Old pictures, I have a couple posted around the house (mirror, refrigerator, etc.)

This things make me vow that I will never go back to the way I was

[chrissyk]

Spring !!!!!

[finn]

Hmm what motivates me?

- breaking the decades, 200, 190, 180 etc
- comments from people
- being able to run further each time
- muscles, I can feel great big strong muscles on my legs
- bones...hip bones, collar bones, shoulders etc
- having to put another hole in my belt (I have used the same belt since I started, I just burn a new hole in it. Its great to see the notches go down.)
- knowing I'm sooo close to goal is huge for me! I ain't giving up.

great thread!