Running into weight loss obstacles on your journey to weight loss is inevitable. Because, you know, life loves to throw us curve-balls! The best thing you can do to give yourself the best chance at overcoming them, rather than faltering at their feet is by getting prepared.
Some challenges will be unexpected
You shouldn’t ever dwell on making mistakes. You are only human. So before we move on, remember that many obstacles will be out of your control. For example, the unexpected loss of someone in your life or getting sick. There is no way to prepare for that.
There are some weight loss obstacles that you do have the power to control. All you have to do is identify them, then act on them in the right way.
Get familiar with your challenges
This self-care Sunday, we’re encouraging you to take the time to reflect on what your controllable weight loss stumbling blocks are.
The first step is to get negative. Sounds strange right?
Dr Tim Sharp (aka Dr Happy) explains that thought negative thinking can be unhelpful, so too can overt positive thinking. This is because people that only think positive are actually ignoring problems at all costs. And this is unrealistic.
“Any thinking that’s unrealistic is likely to set one up for failure and lead, therefore to frustration and disappointment.”
How to overcome your weight loss obstacles
Now that we understand that negative thinking isn’t the enemy. It’s time to put it into action in a way that will work with our weight loss goals.
Grab your pen and paper and put Dr Happy’s exercise into action:
- List all the situations, people, thoughts or emotions that are likely to cause you difficulties. Think of anything, that is, that might derail you from your positive progress. For example, feeling tired in the afternoon and opting for a sugar fix!
- For each obstacle, write down all the possible solutions!
- Hold onto your list (you can even make copies of it) and have it at the ready for when you hit a known road-block.
Bonus SuperFastDiet tip? Rinse and repeat! You’ll notice more common obstacles, even new ones as you move through your weight loss journey. Take note of what these are and repeat this exercise so that you can stay as prepared as possible.
Another thing to remember is that you might still fail. But that’s ok! You’re only human! If you have faltered, the first step is forgiveness. There are ways to bounce back!
But armed with this list, you’ll be better prepared for next time.
Do you know what your common pitfalls are? Let us know how you manage your weight loss obstacles in the comments below.
Want more tips on how you can win the weight loss mental game? The SuperLife pillar of the SuperFastDiet program is filled with these tips! Read more about it here!
