How to Get Motivated to Lose Weight

1. Write down all of your reasons for wanting to lose weight. If you have health issues that are forcing you down this path, such as a recent diagnosis of diabetes or heart problems, then these will top your list, but think further and find other reasons that you can benefit from losing the weight. If your reasons are superficial at first, such as wanting to look hot in tight jeans, that is perfectly natural but keep digging deeper to find the tougher reasons that will really motivate you to want to keep going.

For example, some women may not want to be the "fat mom" anymore, and some teenagers may want a better chance at being accepted into certain circles at school. There are deep seated reasons you really want to go through the weight loss process, and now is the time to pull them out and write them down. It's time to fess up so you know why you are really doing this, and it always goes deeper than blue jeans or doctor's orders.

2. While you are in the list making mode, think back to your past attempts to lose weight and list all the reasons that caused you to fail. You may start out blaming yourself such as saying you just have no will power or are weak minded, but try to think about your choices of diet plans. Were there factors of these plans that don't naturally fit your personality and lifestyle? If there were elements that just aren't a good fit for you personally, then those are set ups for failure and should make the list. While deciding a better method of weight loss this time around, consider all of these things so you don't make the same choice again.

It can be very motivating to see that you weren't the only reason your past attempts have failed. If you are still discouraged by your past failures and doubt whether you can really lose all the weight and keep it off, then make sure you seriously scrutinize whatever plan you start next, so you can set yourself up for success this time around! Your doctor should be able to help you decide a healthy, permanent lifestyle that is realistic to incorporate into your life, so don't be shy to go in and ask for guidance.

3. If you can find an exercise buddy or a friend who can keep you accountable to your goals, then let them know right away what you are doing and what you need from them. It's more likely you will get up and go out for a walk if someone is waiting at the corner for you at a particular time. Even if you can find someone who is extremely supportive but is not on their own weight loss journey, just having them there to talk to can help keep you going until you figure out how to get motivated to lose weight.

A good support person will not just pat your back and tell you good job, but will refuse to listen to excuses and will give you the tough love you will need to keep going through rough times. If you do not have someone to give this kind of support, then around online at the various weight loss forums and email based groups. There is a lot of support and inspiration to be found from long term members of these groups who have been right where you are right now, and moved through it with success.