Losing Weight and Learning to Believe in Yourself

So many people (roughly 60% of Americans alone) are interested in losing weight. Yet, very few actually believe they have what it takes to lose those extra pounds and keep them off.

As someone who struggled with her own weight for a number of years, I can tell you that my inability to believe in myself was one my biggest obstacles. The start of every year would begin with the promise of losing weight. I would tell myself that this was the year I would lose all the weight I gained once and for all.

Usually, my heartfelt determination kept me motivated for about two months. During that time, I would shave off about 10-15 pounds. But then, somewhere around the second or third month, I would tell myself that I could never get back down to my goal weight. I believed that I was somehow unworthy or undeserving of achieving better health and physical wellbeing. Within 6-12 months, I usually regained whatever weight I lost. This vicious cycle only added to my feelings of inadequacy. I started to believe that I could never succeed at being thin again and that somehow this new, chubbier version of me was here to stay.

One day, I took a long, hard look in the mirror and asked myself what was important to me. Finally, after a lot of soul searching and a very big motivating incident that I’ll discuss in a later post, I decided to address my weight issues by first addressing my self-esteem.

Buy a journal that you will use specifically for the purpose of improving your ability to believe in yourself.

During the previous fifteen years of personal development training, writing, lecturing and radio show hosting, I taught others how to journal for a variety of purposes. I had my own journal that I used for topics related to work, money, stress, and my relationship. But I realized that I never used my own journals to improve how I see myself. So, I started a “daily attributes” log. Each day, I would list ten things that I liked about myself. Some days I wrote the same ten things I wrote the day before, while on other days I would come up with a whole new list. The idea was to consistently think of myself in a more positive light. On this list, I would include examples of when I saw something through to the end, such as completing my education, finishing a work or business project, or writing an article.

Read and speak daily affirmations.

I started posting relevant affirmations in places I would see them, such as on the refrigerator and bathroom medicine cabinet. I also include them on my Outlook calendar. Sample affirmations include, “I am healthy and fit,” “I am capable of creating a healthy body,” “I am responsible for my relationship with food and my body,” and “I am beautiful, healthy, and whole.” For some, the idea of reading and speaking affirmations may seem uncomfortable. However, once you get into the habit of saying them, you’ll notice (over time) that your vibration will change.

Look into the mirror and be thankful for what you see.

In her bestselling book “You Can Heal Your Life,” author Louise Hay suggests that you look in the mirror several times each day and say, “I love and approve of myself exactly the way I am.” It is important to notice all of your wonderful attributes. Regardless of your appearance, there is something attractive and desirable in all people. Learning to love yourself and any perceived flaws is an important part of improving your self-image. Remember, you can’t expect others to love you more than you do.

You are your best asset.

Remember, you are the most important part of your life experience. Nothing is more important than seeing yourself as a vital, healthy, beautiful and abundant being who is worthy of all the good life has to offer.

If you’re interested in getting a customized personal development and fitness program based on your specific goals, please contact us at info@simpleonlinefitness.com.

Best,
Bree

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Sabrina Renee Kinckle, CPT – ACE
Email: info@simpleonlinefitness.com.
Simple Online Fitness – No more excuses!