Sometimes in life, we are faced with challenges or struggles that we must deal with or overcome. Sometimes these tasks are simple, and we are able to quickly accomplish what we set out to do. Then, there are the times we are faced with what seems like the impossible. Suddenly, you find yourself stuck, in too deep and feel like there is no way out. These are the times we must really look within and trust and believe in ourselves. Most importantly, we must believe in ourselves. About 5 years ago, I found myself weighing more than 500 pounds! I felt like I could never lose the weight that I needed to lose. I felt like I was not strong enough, and that I would never be able to do it. Needing to lose over 300 pounds seemed impossible and I did not even know where to begin.
Now with changing my diet and exercising, I have lost over 300 pounds and I am in the process of having the excess skin removed from the extreme amount of weight that I have lost.
Even though my journey is not over, I know that no matter what I set out to accomplish, I CAN do it! I know that you can do it too! Here are 5 Tips that I have learned along my journey and not only helped me lose the weight, but I now apply to all aspects of my life
1. Take it one day at a time…
This may seem like a simple step, but it is key. Focus on winning THAT day…that moment. Go to bed proud of everything that you did to help you reach your goal. Wake up ready to put in more work and be excited and confident that you can do it again.
2. Don’t focus on how far you have to go.
For me, I took it one pound at a time. I focused on losing 5 pounds, then 5 more pounds. Then 10 pounds. If I looked at the big picture of “I need to loose 300 pounds” I became overwhelmed and discouraged. It felt like I would never get there. Set small goals which will lead you towards your overall goal. Being able to reach and achieve these smaller goals along the way will help keep you motivated.
3. Treat Yourself!
Reward yourself along the way, but not with food! Get yourself a little treat when you accomplish a smaller goal. I myself, would buy new workout clothes, a new shirt, get a pedicure or get my hair or make up done whenever I reached my smaller goals. Anything that I had my eye on (within reason of course) I would get it. Being able to be excited and looking forward to little treats/rewards along the way kept me going and motivated!
4. Time does not matter!
It doesn’t matter how long it will take you to reach your goals when it comes to better health. Do not let the amount of time that it might take discourage you. Like the saying goes, “the time will pass anyway.” When you look back, you won’t think about how long it took you to achieve your big goals, but you will be happy that you were successful and that you started when you did. The greater the struggle, the bigger the reward. Great things take time.
5. Always believe in yourself!
This one was the hardest for me. It it so important to always believe in yourself no matter what anyone else says. Don’t let them or your own self doubt make you feel like you can’t do it. Believe that you can, know that you can, and work hard to prove yourself right. When we believe in ourselves, work hard and never give up, anything is possible. If you feel like you are going to fail, chances are that you will. When you believe in yourself, anything…ANYTHING really is possible!
Thank you so much for reading! I hope you found these tips helpful. Make sure that you are subscribed to my mailing list for my blog and comment a 💗 on this blog post be entered in a special give away. A winner will be chosen on Friday July 21, 2017.
XOXO
Jacqueline
[…] and at one point, a few years ago, I found myself weighing over 500 pounds. I set a goal to lose over 300 pounds, and I thought all I have to do is lose weight and all of my problems will go away. It is, just […]