Staying Motivated as Get Close to Goal?

J

JenniferAnn

Cathlete
Hi everyone! I am currently about 3 pounds from what I refer to as "goal #1", the size I was throughout my 20's (size 8). I could lose another ten pounds and be a size 6 or maybe even a 4. I'm really having a hard time keeping up my motivation. I feel like I was happy at this weight for 10 years so why shouldn't I be happy now? I'm at a healthy weight. I can wear cute clothes again. Since I work out with weights I look smaller than I am.

How did you guys keep up your motivation as you got close to your goal? I went to the store today and bought 2 cookies! I ate a brownie yesterday. I didn't eat like this for months. And now I feel like I can because I'm at my goal. I'm still careful, i.e. I bought 2 cookies instead of a box of cookies. I'm still probably eating enough calories to maintain my weight. Maybe I feel like an 6/4 is so out of reach that I should just give up? I haven't been a 6 since I was 19. BTW, I'm still exercising religiously. It's only the food that causing me problems right now.

It's just that I've worked so hard to be where I am and I actually feel good about myself right now. I feel kind of like I need a reward. Anyone else been where I am?
 
Hey there JenniferAnn! Isn't goal weight a sweet place to be?? After almost 4 years into my "journey" I am finally there too. I try not to weigh these days, cause I know in my head that the pounds will come and go with each day, I check once a week, and as long as I am in within range I am happy. Just be careful with the food though, I learned my lesson this past summer. I went on vacation and ate and ate, and even though I walked on the beach everyday, I put on 6 pounds and they were darn hard coming off! But I mixed up my workouts, tried a new eating plan(I am a sort of Body rxer...not real strict about it though), and finally I got down again...even below my prevacation weight. But food is a constant struggle for me.....I always want the "good stuff"...especially under stress, I am a sucker for a good ice cream. So IMHO I think you are entitled to a treat, in moderation of course, and maybe instead of concentrating on the number....find motivation in "the look". I have new really great definition in my upper arms and shoulders that was never there before and I love it!! I want to see more...ahh to have arms like Brenda!! I am 38 and I have NEVER been this size, so I find great motivation in that all by itself!! Take care and keep lifting, Donna.
 
Hi, Jennifer Ann! Congrats on getting to your goals!

I truly believe it's a greater challenge to maintain a fitness program and its benefits than it is to develop it. It's one thing to hear the words, "This is a lifelong lifestyle process," and quite another to actually walk the walk day in and day out. Although I don't weigh myself and thus do not have a "goal" weight to maintain, I do have a physique that I've been pleased with and contented with for almost 10 years now.

I think the way to stay motivated as you get close to your goal is to add to your goals. Certainly, continuing to pay attention to healthy eating is important. However, one of your new goals could become to get comfortable with the Goal-You, and to cut yourself just a bit of slack every now and then. A couple brownies ain't gonna kill ya. Another goal could be to focus now on really upkicking your strengthening and cardio intensity programs, for athletic / performance ends rather than body composition ends.

It's very important to know down in your bones that fitness gains cannot be stored. You do have to work at them week in and week out, or they can evaporate. It's also important to know that we all are, in essence, training for robust old age. There was a thread on motivation a few days ago, and one of my personal motivators that I neglected to mention is: I have no intention of being dependent on others in my old age, be it doctors, personal care assistants or whatever. And it takes physical work in my younger years to ensure {pardon the pun! :) } that that doesn't happen!

Also, keep coming back here to Cathe's! It helps enormously to interact with people who, like you and I, hold the practice of fitness in high priority, in an increasingly deconditioned and sedentary society. Loneliness can kill a good fitness program, and here is a place where you won't feel that.

Interesting topic! Thanks for bringing it up!

Annette Q. Aquajock
 
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