Psychological Motivation for Weight Loss: Three Techniques to Help You Persist and Not Give Up

Finding a Motivational Source: I've tried dieting many times, but each time it was just a fleeting enthusiasm, rarely lasting more than two weeks. Later, I read in a book that the main reason for not sticking to it was a lack of strong motivation. Thinking about it, it made sense; every diet was started on a whim, and after a few days, my enthusiasm waned. So I started reflecting on the distress caused by my overweight figure, and the more I thought about it, the worse my mood became. I realized that not sticking to it was unavoidable. Gradually, I found a strong and stable source of motivation. After that, I was able to stick to my diet.

Doctor's Explanation: According to some research, about 80% of women fail to lose weight due to insufficient willpower. To solve this problem, you must strengthen your willpower. The simplest way to strengthen willpower is to find a source of motivation.

Distraction Method: I tried dieting twice, and both times I failed. Each time I hit a plateau, I became extremely frustrated. The more I couldn't lose weight, the more I wanted to lose weight; the more I wanted to lose weight, the less I could. Eventually, I had a mental breakdown. I mentioned this situation to my friends who had successfully lost weight, and they told me that the best thing to do at this time was to travel, participate in more activities, and try to distract myself.

The doctor explained: This method is feasible. Women are more prone to anxiety than men, especially during weight loss. Appropriately shifting your focus can relax tense emotions. However, it's important to note that during relaxation, your regular weight loss plan should not be disrupted.

Reward-Based Weight Loss Method

I'm naturally an optimist and love to eat and drink, especially desserts, so my weight relentlessly skyrocketed. Since I was overweight, I decided to lose weight! So I followed the methods described in some weight loss books, experiencing a plateau that lasted for six months. But perseverance pays off, and the weight loss was quite effective. During the plateau, I often rewarded myself; for example, when I reached 50 kg, I bought myself a beautiful dress, and when I lost another two kg, I rewarded myself with a concert. I found this method of weight loss both enjoyable and effortless.

The doctor explained that maintaining a positive mood is crucial during weight loss. Rewarding oneself provides a positive psychological signal. Having close friends or a partner nearby to offer rewards can further enhance the effect.