Mindset: Having a Strong “Why” Helped Guide My Weight-loss Journey

When I started conversations with my health coach, Mary, she asked me why I wanted to lose weight. I shared my Covid hospital experience and told her that I wanted to avoid ending up in the medical system as much as possible. She then proceeded to ask me again, "why don't you want to end up in the medical system ?". I responded that we know too many people with chronic health issues and frankly, I want to avoid ending up on medications for chronic illnesses that are avoidable. I have never liked taking pharmaceuticals and I avoid them whenever possible. She took me down a few more levels of "why" which included wanting to feel better, having more energy, and ultimately simply wanting to look better in my clothes and age more gracefully. Vain, I know but I'm being honest, how I look is as important to me as being healthy.

Knowing my "why" was the beginning of my journey to release 50 pounds. It also provided me with the initial motivation to get started. It also drives my enthusiasm for making wise decisions for a healthy life because the more I see results, the more I want to continue what I'm doing. Before I could employ the tactics I've used, the primary driver is having the right mindset.

I knew I didn't want to do another short-term "program" where I lose 40 pounds and then go back to all of my bad habits. This cycle has been repeated too many times since my teenage years and I was determined to not make the same mistake. In the past, I fell for gimmicks and plans that worked for a little while but frankly were not sustainable.

I review my why's on a regular basis to remind me of the reason I am worth this effort. There is mental work that also needed to happen, old thinking that had to go, and a self-sabotage mentality I needed to change. Here is the podcast that helped me shed my mental weight: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/losing-100-pounds-with-corinne/id1233384453

Whether my reason for wanting to lose weight is a health scare, an important event like my daughter's wedding, or simply wanting to walk into a fitting room and slip on pretty clothes and have them fit, having a good "why" helps keep me grounded and focused on my goals.