[4Tee2nfit]

Originally Posted by Aclai4067

as far as motivation. one of the first things i did was make a list of 10 reasons why i wanted to lose weight and kept it in my food journal to look at whenever i waiver. Also I post my start and current weights on my bathroom mirror next to my first mini goal

I just figured out the quote button These are very good ideas and Thank you for sharing.

[4Tee2nfit]

Originally Posted by CountingDown

I don't usually start out with "tough love" advice but here it is anyway.

If you count on motivation to power you through weight loss, you will most likely fail.

I've not seen one chickie here make it to goal using motivation as their primary tool. Motivation comes, and motivation goes. If you rely on emotions on this journey, you are in for a very bumpy ride!

From my experience, much better tools to take along with you are:
1. A Plan - whatever it is, follow it, evaluate your results, tweak the plan, and continue the cycle.
2. A Journal - holding myself accountable on this journey was a very key pieced. I used Fitday to log my calories, exercise and weight, but any of the available tools will work fine for this
3. Commitment - rather than relying on motivation, commitment serves you much better when the road gets rough. Decide that you WILL do this, no matter what. It is that DECISION that will give you the strength you need for the journey.
4. Community - finding 3FC is a blessing. The fine folk here are a fantastic resource for the journey. They will laugh with you, cry with you, offer advice when you need it, and even give you a good when it is called for

You really can do this! And, I look forward to reading of your progress!

Thank you for the tough love I really do need it and I am going to work hard on m commitment, motivation, & journaling I agree all 3 go hand and hand.

[4Tee2nfit]

Originally Posted by cruising4me

Howdy! You seem in the same boat as I....40ish, 2 kids, walk every day, cut back on bad stuff...but my motivation is little or non-existent.

Hi Cruis! I am glad I am not the only one I am still wondering what the right plan would be and it seems like a lot of chickies here are on WW so I too am starting to lean towards that but I am off to join the 40 somethings group, join with me!

[Amberlyn]

As a fellow newbie (again) I also appreciate the tough love. I had never thought about relying on motivation and how dangerous that could be, since it IS an emotion! Never occurred to me. I am a pretty determined person - when I put my mind to something, nothing can get in my way. But that is my MIND, not my emotions. Thanks for leading me into a mini-epiphany.