I know you’ve read a ton of articles about the secret fat burning workout plans of celebrities, or the latest crazy fad diet that promises glowing skin and immediate fat loss.
You know it’s too good to be true… but it still pulls you in, doesn’t it?
We’re all the same. We all want to do the least amount of work in order to achieve the best possible results. That’s not being lazy.
That’s being human.
We’ve evolved as a species because we figured out that the path of least resistance is the best – so long as it gives us the desired outcome we wanted.
But, as with anything, this can also be our downfall.
Sometimes the path of least resistance gives us false promises. We’re all used to seeing the commercials for the next workout gadget that will “shred” and “tone” our waistline. We’re all used to see supplements promising to help us eliminate extra fat deposits or erase cellulite.
We know they don’t work, but we sure want them to.
Here’s the truth…
There is no secret workout plan. There is no secret diet. There just isn’t.
So, you may be wondering what little trick I am talking about in the title of this article. Here it is.
Positive momentum.
When you’re used to sitting on the couch every night and eating take-out food it’s hard to do something different – especially if it requires you to expend energy.
It’s hard to stick with a workout program once your motivation runs dry… because it’s easier to simply not workout.
Friday nights usually lead to cheating on your new eating program. Pizza is so much more convenient.
These examples are typical because you’re relying on motivation to power through a change in your lifestyle. Numerous studies have shown that motivation is temporary.
Building your entire lifestyle change around something that we know is temporary is insane… but we still do it because we don’t know how else to motivate ourselves.
This is where my little trick of positive momentum comes in.
Instead of focusing on weight loss results… focus on smaller wins.
What does that mean?
So many of us workout in order to lose 25 pounds or 50 pounds, but the reality is your motivation will run out before that occurs.
So, then we get into the yo-yo dieting cycle or the “workout-stop for 2 months-start again- quit again” cycle.
If we can put the actual weight loss number on the back burner and instead place the focus on smaller wins then we create momentum.
If your plan is to work out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday then focus on just working out for that day. When you complete it, feel good about it. Recognize the achievement. Give yourself a treat (not food related).
What you’ll find is that over time if you focus on achieving smaller goals that can be measured (ex. I ate a healthy breakfast) then it’s easier to follow through with the next task (eat a healthy snack or lunch). The more wins you have under your belt… the better chance you have of changing your lifestyle.
And yes, over time you’ll see the weight loss you wanted initially.
Momentum is powerful.
Even in difficult cases like someone who needs to attend Alcoholics Anonymous … the entire premise does not focus on never ever drinking again… it focuses on this moment, this hour, this day. Can you get through this moment without a drink?
This causes positive momentum and builds strength so when a temptation occurs (skipping a workout, gorging on donuts, etc.) it’s easier to overcome.
Hope this was helpful.
Have an awesome day,
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