So, let's pretend that's the case and let's take weight loss off the table leaving other goals. The funny thing that happens is that these other goals, these meaningful and functional goals I mentioned earlier, require the same work as weight loss goals. The difference is, you get immediate results from your functional goals and that's what keeps you coming back day after day. The weight loss goals require time--weeks, months, even years. No wonder they don't keep us motivated.
To prove this point, let's compare the two. Say your functional goal is to have more energy and your weight loss goal is to, well, lose weight. What would you have to do to have more energy? I can think of at least two things that will do the job:
- Eat a healthy, balanced meal. Eating a balance of nutrients will give you instant energy, where as overeating or eating too much fat can leave you feeling tired and fatigued.
- Exercise. What happens when you move your body? Blood flows, oxygen gets to your muscles, your heart rate increases and that means instant energy both during and after your workout.
These energy-generating tasks are also two things you would need to do to lose weight. The difference is that if your goal is to have more energy, you've reached it...no waiting required. But, if your goal is weight loss? There's no change in the scale from that one workout or that one day of healthy eating. With your functional goal, you've experienced success and that will boost your confidence and help you do it all again tomorrow so you can get the same results. Keep doing that and the weight will come off as well.
If you could forget about weight loss (just work with me here), what would you want to achieve for yourself? If you could forget about having a smaller butt or no love handles or more defined arms, what would you focus on? If you're interested in exploring these ideas, I have something for you to try, my new 30-Day Fitness Challenge. This e-course helps you learn to make small, daily changes so that you focus on the journey, not the destination.
Resources
Gavin, Jim PhD, and Madeleine McBrearty, MA. "Exploring Mind-Body Modalities." IDEA Fitness Journal Volum 3, Number 6 (June 2006): p. 60.
Teixeira PJ, et al. "Exercise motivation, eating, and body image variables as predictors of weight control." Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2006 Jan;38(1):179-88.
