Embarking on a weight loss journey means making big changes to how you live your life. Changing your lifestyle isn’t easy. We fall into habits, we learn to become content with the way we’re living, and at times, we’re resistant to change. Deciding to improve your life is the first step, and any steps you take in the right direction are a big deal. So what happens when you slip up? You take a step back, give yourself some grace, and get back on track. Here’s why that’s so important.
Change can be exciting, and it can also be scary. You may have been experiencing mental health challenges before you decided it was time to lose weight. While your overall outlook may improve, it’s still as important as ever to take care of yourself. Experiencing a setback can be disheartening, but if you keep looking forward toward your goals, you can handle anything that comes your way.
Your entire life is not going to change overnight. You won’t go straight from being a sedentary individual to being a pro athlete. Making these changes is a process, and part of that process is the occasional slip-up. You’re making changes that will last the rest of your life. You have goals to achieve. The only way to keep up the good work is to forgive yourself when you feel you’ve made a mistake.
Oftentimes, a weight loss journey starts with negative thoughts. You may have started out feeling inadequate, or guilty, or like you’re not the person you always wanted to be. As you lose weight, keep reminding yourself of your goals. Record any wins, both the weight markers and the non-scale victories. Keep your eyes on the prize, and think about the wonderful life you have ahead of you as you continue to improve your health. When you stay focused and hopeful, you’re far more likely to achieve your goals.
Beating yourself up over every perceived mistake builds up and weighs on you over time. When you say negative things about yourself, you start to believe them. This can reverse the hard work you’re doing to improve your health and your life. Remind yourself that you’re a work in progress, and look back on how far you’ve come. You are enough, and as you continue your health journey, you’ll keep getting better.
No one is perfect, and what counts is continuing to work to become the best, healthiest version of yourself. Let every perceived mistake be a learning opportunity, and keep going until you reach your goals!
