Get Motivated by a Real Life Example

Read this to get motivation to achieve the body you've always wanted.

I have been on my weight loss journey for just over a year. I have been asked countless times over that period of time “how do you stay motivated?”. Trust me when I say even after all this time I still have those days when I am just not feeling it…not feeling like working out, not feeling like eating my healthy food, not feeling like putting my lunch and snacks together for the next day, well…you get the idea. I have incorporated all of these things into healthy lifestyle changes and habits, so I do them. Some of my motivation comes from the fact that I was so ready to make a change. I also found what worked for me. Those are two things that I had not ever had in place before.

What else works? Well, seeing results is a big motivator. Take pictures and measurements at regular intervals. I did NOT want to take that initial set of pictures;  but, I did. Now, I look forward to taking those pictures every month. When you hit a point where the scale just isn’t moving, look at those pictures. You will be able to see the changes. Remember, the scale is not always a good indicator of the positive changes that are happening. Setting new goals is another way to stay motivated. Keeping things fresh. Try a new class, change your routine, just do something different. This keeps things fun and challenging. If you have what you would call a “bad day” whether is with eating or skipping your workout, acknowledge it and move on to the next healthy decision you can make for yourself. Do not use it as an excuse to continue to make unhealthy choices for the rest of the day. Celebrating your successes is another way to stay motivated. Set small goals and reward yourself for meeting them. Share your plans with friends or family. It is much harder to lose your motivation and stop working out or eating well if other people know what you are doing. Recently, a friend stopped me in the grocery store and asked if I was sure I wanted to buy something , truth be told…the item wasn’t for me, but I actually appreciated the fact that she asked.

The bottom line is we all have to find what works for each of us. Once you find what works, keep at it. If you stumble, don’t give up.

Written by contributor Skinny Ms. MJ, who recently completed her first 5k. This is what she had to say about her accomplishment, “Yesterday I did a 5k with 5 friends. I ran most of mile 1 and 2. As I crossed mile marker 2…I decided that I was going to run to the end. I soooo wanted to stop a couple of times, but I didn’t. Certainly didn’t break any speed records, but that isn’t what it was about. For me, it is about proving to myself that I can do something I have been told for years I would never be able to do.” ~Skinny Ms. MJ

Be sure to leave a comment below and let us know your tips for getting and staying motivated.

Here’s some of MJ’s before and after photos:

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SkinnyMs.

The SkinnyMs. team believes that all people, regardless of age, size, and fitness level, have the power to transform their lives — they just need the resources to do so. The SkinnyMs. method promotes healthy living through a combination of clean eating and regular exercise. We offer everything you need to be successful.

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16 Comments

  1. This is EXACTLY what I mean about the scale…in the four weeks between picture 7 and 8, the scale did NOT go down (in fact it went up a teeny bit), but I clearly had some positive changes. 🙂

  2. I know the feeling of just not feeling it some days, but never give up! I am feeling great and have lost those extra 20 pounds that I wanted to lose…just stick to it (healthy diet and exercise).

    1. Brigitte, Don't we all? MJ is so
      inspirational and we love that she is willing to
      sharing her story with us.

  3. Great job! I just ran my first 5K as well. So excited to pass that finish line. It's given me new motivation to increase my speed and miles. During those minutes of running it's like "shoot me now!" but after crossing that finish line – I felt awesome! 

    Keep on your journey! You look amazing!

    1. That's awesome Kerry!  I know exactly whatyou mean!  When I was coming around the last turn and someone yelled "there are only 50 yards left!"  I knew I could make it.  Thank you!

  4. Thanks for the good reminders about not giving up just because the scale isn't showing any change!! Keeping myself motivated can be challenging when you just want those numbers to move but they don't!! I also use the fit of my clothes as a good judge of what's changing.  It's important to celebrate the success, no matter how small they seem to you – you never know when you might be inspiring someone else to make positive changes simply because of your own success.

    1. Your welcome Erin!  I had a hard time getting that through my head for a while…but the pictures (and my clothes) tell the real story!  Celebrating successes helps keep me going too!  Keep up the great work!

  5. MJ you look amazing! you ARE amazing! Thanks for the inspiration! I was just thinking last night how much work it is to prepare food for work and how much easier it would be just to buy. but i trekked on and prepared my food because my health is more worth it than a bite of lesser quality food. Thank you for sharing your pictures I think I will start taking some of my own to get where i want to be.

  6. Thank you Laura.  Amazing…nah…determined, YES!  I am glad I could help.  GREAT job making the best choice for yourself and preparing your own food!  I spend a little bit of time each Saturday prepping as much as I can ahead of time.  That saves me a LOT of time during the week.  Definitely start taking pictures.  Mine are taken at 4 week intervals (I am having my husband take new ones next week!)  I did NOT want to take that first picture…ugh…but, I did and now I look forward to taking them.  The scale still isn't moving (which is absolutely fine), BUT…I know my clothes are fitting better and I know I will be able to see changes when I look at the pictures.

    Keep up the great work!!!

  7. Oh…and even though I can hardly believe it myself….I have officially started training for a Wounded Warrior 8k in November.  I am DETERMINED to run the whole thing.  I don't need to be fast, I just want to run the whole time.

  8. I wanted to let you know…5K #2 is in the books!  I almost didn't participate in it because my knee has been bothering me the past few days, but I decided to go easy.  It was my first time running in the rain and my knee hurt…BUT….I still managed to take 2'31" off my last 5k time!

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