The best reasons to lose weight are the ones you can visualize. When going on a weight loss journey, start with a why. We wrote elsewhere about the importance of smart goals and expectations. While a certain weight by a certain date can certainly be smart, it is important to support your overall weight loss goal with a why.
All roads lead to Rome, but only if you want to get there.
Ask yourself “Why do you want to lose weight?” Is your or a loved one’s wedding coming up? Is it to improve your health? Your sleep? To relieve joint or back pain? To be able to attend a graduation ceremony? To look good at the beach this summer or just to fit better in your favorite pair of jeans? Mine was simple, I wanted to enjoy many more years of snowboarding with my family. And now my new weight loss related goal is to do pull-ups with decent form.
Define your aspiration
At the beginning of your journey and along the way, take a moment to find your why. Use this reason to define your aspiration, the overall goal you want to achieve, the changes you want to see. Imagine the changes, what choices, in particular food choices, does the new you make. Think about it and visualize it.
Visualization is underrated.
Once you found your why and used it to define your aspiration, you can start visualizing. Imagine the new you, the changes you want to make, what you do regularly to attain this goal. Imagine yourself performing and enjoying the steps necessary to achieve your aspiration, for example eating healthy or exercising. Engage your senses, sense the smells, sights, colors, sounds, while you visualize your goal or the process to get there. Feel the new you.
Fake it till you make it.
The brain does not distinguish between what is real and imaginary, the same regions are activated during both activities. Be it because of confirmation, commitment or consistency bias, the mind has a way to prove what it thinks. Think yourself healthy, exercising and you may find yourself proving that you are. Make it a new habit.
Whatever your reasons to lose weight, remember the journey is more important than the destination. For weight loss as well. Please check our e-book and 30-day New Habits pack for weight loss, now also available on Gumroad here.