“I only lost a ½ a pound this week!”
“My pants still feel the same…and it’s been at least a week and a half!” “I still feel the same way”!
Comments such as these are common for those of us who have tried to lose weight or get started with a regular exercise program, only to see ourselves terminating the program after a short period of time.
Why?
Personal expectations not met!!
When we begin any lifestyle change we expect to see some type of improvement, some type of evidence for all of the hard work! Right? It’s only natural! But, research indicates that unrealistic expectations can significantly effect our ability to begin as well as sustain any lifestyle change.
Unrealistic expectations:
With the media emphasis of “quick results” from anything from losing weight to toning thighs overnight….it is no wonder that we all struggle with thoughts of disappointment and dissatisfaction in not reaching our desired goals as fast as we would like.
To combat these unrealistic expectations:
Check your fitness expectations regularly. Thoughts of immediately seeing the scale drop 6 lbs. in a week or having your energy level improve overnight can only increase feelings of inadequacy or feelings of failure when they don’t come to reality. These unrealistic expectations can lead to experiences that decrease your self-confidence and ultimately lead to terminating your health and fitness program. Instead of questioning the effectiveness of eating healthy, taking your supplements or exercising begin to challenge your expectations. Apply this truth to your doubts, “Eating healthy, taking my supplements, drinking more water are the very best health practices I can possibly do….I know if I keep this up, overtime the results will come, it just takes time!”
Begin to set realistic expectations: Instead of expecting yourself to lose weight immediately or change overnight begin by systematically planning experiences that you know you can achieve.
For example, instead of beginning your fitness program with the idea that you will lose 6 lbs your first week…focus on setting a daily goal to eat sensibly and healthier, exercise more than you did yesterday, drink at least 12 ounces of water with each meal and snack and take your supplements faithfully. Then each day you accomplish these mini goals reward yourself for doing the very thing that you know is best for you…..By doing the things you KNOW are best for you, your health and fitness will improve, GUARENTEED!
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