How many times have you set a New Year’s resolution to lose weight? How many fitness programs or diets have you started, only to find yourself back at square one? If you’re like most people, the answer is probably “too many to count.”
You’re not alone in this cyclical pattern of enthusiasm, effort, and eventual defeat. Most weight-loss seekers are stuck in this trap, looking for that magic pill that will guarantee success with zero risk of failure. But here’s the harsh truth: There’s no such thing as a guarantee when it comes to weight loss. The sooner you accept that fact, the sooner you’ll be able to make real, lasting changes.
More Than Mere Desire
Many of us operate under the belief that desire is sufficient to achieve our goals. We think, “If I just want it badly enough, I’ll get it.” But desire is fickle; it fluctuates based on our moods, external circumstances, and even the weather. While desire can kickstart your journey, it’s not enough to sustain it.
When we encounter obstacles or when our expectations aren’t met immediately—which is almost a guarantee in the unpredictable journey of weight loss—we give up. We revert to our old ways, citing a lack of guaranteed success as our excuse. In doing so, we overlook a crucial element that could change the course of our weight loss journey: our values.
The Role of Values in Weight Loss
Unlike fluctuating desires, our values are the constant principles that guide our actions. Values like health, self-respect, and longevity can become the driving forces behind your actions, especially when the odds are uncertain. When you align your weight-loss goals with your values, something magical happens: You become committed for the long haul. You’re not just chasing a lower number on the scale; you’re striving for a better quality of life.
Your values can help you withstand the inevitable setbacks and disappointments because they offer a deeper, more enduring form of motivation. You’re not just seeking to lose weight; you’re striving to become a version of yourself that you can be proud of, regardless of the risks and challenges involved.
Ready to Take a Real Shot at Lasting Weight Loss?
If you’ve read this far, it means you’re not just looking for another quick fix. You’re ready to dive deep into the psychological barriers holding you back from achieving the weight loss you’ve always desired but never achieved.
To take the first step towards lasting change, I invite you to read my book, “Breaking Free From the Diet Prison: Turning Weight Loss into a Mindful Lifestyle”. In it, I delve deeper into the role of mindset and values in weight loss, providing actionable strategies to break the cycle of defeat and start making meaningful progress.
Trust me, the only guarantee you’ll ever have is the one you make to yourself: the commitment to living according to your values, come what may. Isn’t it time you gave yourself that chance?