[KattoS]

I don't know if a lot of people have tried this, but I took some pics of myself and made a small collage to remind me of my goal to lose weight.
Looking at myself, I find it an insperation to focus on my diet

I put 4 of the pics together and put it as my desk top (since I'm constantly on the computer) and use it as a motivational tool.
And so far its been working.

[TooManyDimples]

My desktop is a picture I made on a website where you can put your face on a famous person's body. My face on Adrianna Lima's body, BIG motivation. =)

[darway]

Lots of posts here, are from people admitting they they avoided mirrors and having pictures taken - and that it took a surrepticious photo snapped by someone on the sly, to develop a realization of what one's real appearance is.

Much of the message on this forum is "find what works". Negative feedback can certainly be one tool in the toolbox.

[Streudel]

We have a board at work that has a picture of every employee. The manager of each department has their picture placed at the top. When I was promoted to management, I should have been able to proud of my new place on the board, but all I could feel was shame over this picture.

It was taken at my highest weight in my life. It wasn't just the extra chins that upset me; it was that I looked so desperately miserable and unhealthy. I cannot think of a picture of myself that I've ever hated more. To add insult to injury, one of our computer's screensaver cycles through the employee pictures. So every 15 minutes or so, that picture would stare back at me while I was trying to work.

I promised myself that I would not replace that picture until I reach goal. After losing 66 pounds, I have come to love that picture. I'm still a good distance from my goal, but what a graphic reminder of how far I've come. One of my newer employees actually had to ask if that was me when he saw that picture because I really don't look like the same person.

You have a powerful motivational tool in your arsenal, KattoS. I hope it helps you as much as my picture has helped me.

[KattoS]

I would like to say, that since I posted my pics, I have been really motivated, and although the scale hasn't changed, my pants are already looser.

I know what I'm doing as motivation isn't for everyone, but I think because I took the pics myself I could easily point out the flaws and decide what I want to work on the most.
I too am a person who doesn't like her photo taken because of the "outcome". However my pics show only the body and no head. I just remind myself, that "hey, that underwear looks familiar....ohhhh right, its me. Time to work out and eat better." At least, that's what I've been able to do, and its working for me.

Good luck to anyone who wants to try it.

[Jonesie]

Just 4 or 5 days ago I dug out THE picture. The one that started it all. And stared at it. I had fallen off the wagon and getting that picture out and comparing it to pictures of me now and even showing it to my husband who is very.... cautious? with any comments related to my weight said "Wow! You're doing great." got me seriously motivated. I have a folder on my desktop called weightloss and it has like 6 pics of me randomly throughout the loss. I cant wait to add new ones.

[nettiepiepie]

Originally Posted by Streudel

We have a board at work that has a picture of every employee. The manager of each department has their picture placed at the top. When I was promoted to management, I should have been able to proud of my new place on the board, but all I could feel was shame over this picture.

It was taken at my highest weight in my life. It wasn't just the extra chins that upset me; it was that I looked so desperately miserable and unhealthy. I cannot think of a picture of myself that I've ever hated more. To add insult to injury, one of our computer's screensaver cycles through the employee pictures. So every 15 minutes or so, that picture would stare back at me while I was trying to work.

I promised myself that I would not replace that picture until I reach goal. After losing 66 pounds, I have come to love that picture. I'm still a good distance from my goal, but what a graphic reminder of how far I've come. One of my newer employees actually had to ask if that was me when he saw that picture because I really don't look like the same person.

You have a powerful motivational tool in your arsenal, KattoS. I hope it helps you as much as my picture has helped me.

Congratulations on your success and how much weight you've lost. The denial monster in me wont let me look at the pictures of me at my current weight never mind heaviest. I look and feel disgust and the emotional response is to eat. It is great that this has been a motivational tool to help you on your way but what else got you there?
How long have you been working to lose your weight and what are your success stories? I'd love a bit of inspiration from someone who is doing so well