Me - back when I started last summer, 235 pounds.You know, I've kind of been struggling with motivation lately, kind of going "Meh" about calorie-counting and making the scales read lower. The holidays were a struggle, and I have a confession to make about how I felt about the session that ended on Dec. 17th. It was kind of a bratty attitude, considering the fact that my effort wasn't up to par with how I'd done in the past. But I was really annoyed that I lost the challenge by only 14 points. Granted, I hadn't tried very hard, so it wasn't like I worked my guts out or anything and "deserved" to win. But I'd come so close, and for a few hours thought I might actually get a pretty necklace. Yeah, I feel like a dork admitting how shallow I was. But I think that's the first time it became kind of concrete that winning sessions just wasn't a very strong motivator for me anymore. In the summer and early fall it was fun for me to squeeze every point possible out of our sessions. I just don't feel that way any more.
Looking at my myfooddiary.com weight chart, I think 11-8 was when I pretty much started coasting. Two-and-a-half months!! I've been wasting my time, or at least not making any progress. Sometimes taking a break can be a good thing, but I think that's probably been going on long enough.A few of you suggested going back and looking at my original post and goals. And you know what? You were right. Because the idea of hitting summer still at my current weight would be really depressing, like tripping at the finish line. I would really like to be in the 160's by then, where I envisioned myself back when I started at the end of June last year. 20 pounds in five months should be totally doable. But I've got to find my own personal motivation again...
P.S. Sorry, I was supposed to post or comment about previous fav posts. But I started at my original post and got sidetracked. I'll go back and read older stuff tomorrow and comment.
Becky! Motivation comes from many different places and it's never the same for everyone! Keep working lady. If you can stay consistent that necklace may just be yours?
ReplyDeleteI feel like I've wasted the last two years. There are many factors that contributed to it but I'm seriously committed. However that doesn't mean that it's easy or that everything is falling into place like I want. I does mean that every day is a new day and I'll try to be better!
Keep going!!!! You are an inspiration to people on this blog both those who are participants and those who are just lurkers!!!
Becky, maybe you need a new fitness goal: an early spring 5K to train for? Maybe you and your hubby could compete to lose together (I have no idea if he has any desire or need for that, just throwing the idea out there).
ReplyDeleteMaybe a small goal just for Valentines Day? A goal to be a sexy _____ pounds.
I bet you will come up with a creative way to get those fires burning again!
I think going back to your original post was a good idea. You have a great end goal, try setting some easier short term goals so you don't feel over whelmed.
ReplyDeleteI've been having a hard time too and I know that I just need to buck up, eat less and exercise more.
You've come a long way Becky, YOU CAN DO HARD THINGS!
It's so easy to loosen the reins once you start actually feeling healthy. I know I did. But as I lightened up on my health regimen, I also lightened up on my motivation. It has taken me several months to rediscover my motivation, and I'm finding that it has changed.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first started this challenge I was fed up with the way I looked and I committed to quit whining about it and start doing something about it. I was motivated by the group, motivated by others who were doing this really hard thing with me. Then I was motivated by my success. Then I was motivated by how good I felt.
Then I had someone close to me die, and my husband was gone all the time and I was lonely, and it got too cold to exercise outside, and I just didn't give a crap anymore.
I guess my current motivation comes from recognizing how much my mental health depends on me being active. I'm back to exercising and walking outside in the single digit cold because it keeps me from getting depressed.
I guess my point is that motivation ebbs and flows and you don't have to force yourself into being motivated for the same reasons that were true six months ago. Find the reason that works for you now and RUN with it.
P.S. How about some current full-body pictures to show everyone how you look 50 pounds lighter? Freakin' awesome, that's how! Love you!
ReplyDeleteWow, I think Sue nailed it right on. What fantastic insight. I wish I had heard that in September (and October, and November, and December) when I was really struggling. Keep at it Becky, eventually motivation will return and you'll be glad you held on through the harder time.
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