I have been on and off this diet and tons of others and can't seem to find my motivation.  I think my self esteem is below zero... really really below zero.  I went on the alli journal section and it said to name 10 things that I like about myself... I named 2!  I think I'm just really down about my lack of motivation and perseverance.  I wanted to know where you get your motivation and how you keep yourself on track.  I really need to do this... I have lost 8lbs over the last few months but I really need to lose 50lbs to be within a normal BMI.  I can tell I'm in bad shape; it takes nothing to make me sweat or get out of breath.  I just seem to lose track of why I'm doing it everytime I start.  Anyone got any suggestions? 

Hi tigrnurse!  You've come to the right place for motivation!  And support!  We are all here to help each other, lend and ear to listen or offer advice, whatever you need to reach your goals.

Have you made up mini goals for yourself yet?  I set my mini goals in 5 pound weight loss increments.  I am almost at a mini goal, and that itself motivates me.  Each time I reach a mini goal (this will be the first one I think) it motivates me to want to do more and keep at it to reach the next mini goal.  Even if it takes me three weeks to reach each mini goal, I know that I have been working at it.  I want to lose weight more than anything and I think that is a big motivation for me.  And that I have smaller sized clothing in my closet that I haven't worn in two years or more-yes, I've kept smaller sized clothing THAT long, lol.  My size 16 shorts are too loose on me so I've slowly been getting into my size 14's.  Since some manufacturers are different, each size 14 is different.  Some 14's are a little more snug, so I tell myself I have to work harder to get into those.  I would eventually like to get to a size 10 or 140 pounds.  Although at 140 I think I would fit into possibly a size 8.

Maybe when you make your mini goals you could reward yourself for each one you make.  Like, first mini goal of 5 pounds lost you could get a new hairstyle.  Second mini goal-new shoes.  You get the idea.  It will give you something to look forward to.  Once you start losing weight, your self esteem will get better.  You'll feel better because you are losing weight.  No, it's not easy.  When you are having a rough time and need encouragement, come here to the boards.  Write that you need support and encouragement.  Someone will answer!  There are many people here who understand what each other is going through.  Oh, and once you start losing the weight, look at your weight loss chart after your weigh in.  That motivates me.  I love to see the graph go down!

I'm here for support........stick with it!

Katie 

Hi sweetie.  Katie said everything I would have said to you.  I just wanted to say I am also here for you.  I am thinking about a challenge that we can all do on a monthly basis.  Stay tuned for that ok?  You too Katie, Amanda, Sandy and anyone else who may want to join us.

Blessings for a positive day in your weight loss journey.

And tigrnurse....How about you add to your journal that you are a special lady.  I don't even know you, yet, and I know you are pretty special.  (((hugs)))

 hi,

     where i go for motivation is to my sister. she is the one that got me started on the alli plan. she was in a size 20w. in may 2008 now it is sept. 2008 and she is in a size 10/12. she looks great. i knew she was losing weight but i really didnt know how much until her husband passed away in in july. i dont get to see her that often. so after about a month in august we were talking and i asked her how she was losing weight, she told me about the alli plan how easy it was without side effect. i started on aug. 24th. now before long i intend to get all her pretty clothes , ha,ha. thanks alli. 

I don't like long term goals they are so unmotivational!

So my everyday motivation is my "daily goal list"  I write down goals each day, about 4- 5 goals total that I have to accomplish by the end of the day.  Two - or Three of my goals, are diet goals, one is to stick to 1,200 CAL/36 grams of fat per day, 2nd or 3rd one is to walk aroudn the block, or exercise 30 min or something that would require me to just "GET UP/GET MOVING". I litterary Write them down every single morning and crossed them off after completing them.

I seem to do much better on day by day goals, than long term goals.  I seem to get motivated each day, after completleting all my goals from the previous day.  This helps me stay motivated, just everyday write my goals down and cross them off as I do them.

I've done this for the past month, so far because I've managed to stay my daily diet goals, I've lost 8.5 LBS. What can I say? That just motivates me even more!

Taking baby steps and completing them daily, is such a great motivator for me, I hope that this helps you.

And in case what you are wondering what some of my other "daily goals" are...they are just simple ones - a load of laundry, clean up the bathroom or really girly ones like do my make up or hair extra nice.  What can I say? Simple,  so easy to do and accomplish and feel great doing it.

Best of luck!!

Inky

 hello tigrnurse sweety:

Most people have said all there is to say about motivation, the mini goal, the journal, the rewards etc, but I want to talk to you about the 10 things you love about yourself: look at yourself in a mirror...look at your hair, is it shiny blonde? rich chocolate? radiant red? onyx black? or salt & pepper?, caress it, brush it, dont u like it? yeah, I thought so, pretty isnt it? what about your eyes and lips? look very close and see how shiny and glossy they are! your hands? if they have ever caressed a baby's face, a puppy or a love one, then they are angel's hands, soft and loving.

What about inside you? are you a loving, patient, tender woman? a wife? a mother? a sister? an aunt? a daughter? then you have a beautiful heart because you love and are loved. So you see, we might be a bit over weight, but there is beauty in you. Find it, love it and work to improve it thru weight loss. Go ahead and post your picture so you can share your beauty with us.

Take care, beautiful and keep us posted!