So again over New Years/this weekend I was hit with another wave of compliments and people noticing my weight loss. Great, right?
Bizarrely, no.
Currently all the praise I'm receiving makes me pleased. Pleased that people are noticing. Validating my hard work. But on the other hand, all the compliments are having this weird reverse reaction in me whereby I'm losing a bit of focus. Clearly I'm not as fat as I was - people can see that. So it's fine if I indulge a bit, right? Right??
Wrong.
So I'm making today's note to myself be to regain focus. Block out what people are saying. Don't focus on the external reactions, but focus again on the internal. I'm not done. I'm not even close. And I can't lose sight of that.
Where I've Been and Where I'm Going
15 comments:
good thinking man. Don't get caught up in rewarding yourself with food, thats one slippery slope. Keep the petal to the metal and you will be happy you did in the long run.
I completely understand where you are coming from on this one. I have the same experience every time I lose about 20 or so pounds. Unfortunately, I don't usually realize it the way you have and the compliments usually cause me to go completely off program.
But I have a plan, thanks to you! I'm going to bookmark this post so the next time this happens to me, I can reread your last paragraph over and over again! Thanks! :o)
I'm the same way with this, wonder what the heck that's about? For me, it gives me anxiety for some reason, hmmm I'll have to give it some more thought.
Great insight. Complacency can be the death knell of any project worth undertaking. And this one must certainly is.
So good job on looking better, and good luck on keeping your eyes on the prize! You can do it.
I'm having the same freaking problem!
So for me, one of the things that help is whenever people start complimenting me or I feel like I'm good to be wearing 2xl's again is just to take a good long hard look in the mirror and realise I'm still quite the fat guy - gut and man boobs in all.
What can I say, I don't believe in positive reinforcement. I tell myself I'm wonderful and it just makes me lazy.
Wow - I didn't realize that this was a common issue! And yeah Will, I don't do the positive thing with myself either, though I tend to handle others with kid gloves.
Good job on keeping in mind your long term goals! That's always the challenge with every decision.
Great post. I've had a little trouble with that too. You don't quit driving just because you may be in the same region as your destination. We can't quit working just because we are starting to see results.
I find that "treating" myself to something having to do with my new program helps me refocus. For example - new workout shoes or a new WW cookbook (if you cook).
The more I am invested - emotionally as well as economically - the easier it is to maintain my focus on my long-term goals.
Great post!
Kim
makes TOTAL SENSE to me.
and when I lost weight and the compliments came I gained some b ack.
not fear of success (as so many friends thought) but getting too....comfy? laid back? complacent?
dont be me.
Roder, re: your comment
It was hard not to notice. You're welcome ;)
No, you may not be done but it's ok to soak up the compliments to keep you energized to keep going.
Yeah. That tripped me up good too. Glad you caught it and are regaining focus!
Praise has been the death of many healthy guys. I completely understand you, compliements made me to confident in the past and then too laxed, it leads to falling off the wagon and into the cheesey poofs. Good for you to stay focused, I have to say more people are weight conscious at the first of the year as they plan to lose and that makes them prone to compliement you and I more.
I've also fallen into that pit, so well done for avoiding it!
At the same time, you can still feel good about yourself without gaining weight. Like you said, it's focus.
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