"It isn't willpower
you need for weight loss -
it's motivation."
Weight Loss Surgeon—Dr. Terri Simpson
What will inspire you to become the "new you"? Willpower will only take us just so far, all by itself. What we need is a big helping of the proper motivation. The proper motivation will help us maneuver any obstacles that may stand in the way of reaching our ultimate goal.
Before surgery, I had to pause and consider what it was that I really wanted. Considering things that would offer lasting rewards for a lifetime.
I had to ask myself diagnostic questions, such as:
- What does my life look like right now?
- What do I want my life to look like?
With my long-term goals defined, I was motivated to go for my goal. Although short-term motivators will help create milestones along the way—long-term motivations are crucial for long-term success.
Before weight loss surgery, I wanted a better quality of life, physically, emotionally, and relationally. I wanted better health which for me meant getting off prescription medication which (to a limited degree) controlled my diabetes and high blood pressure. I also wanted emotional freedom and a new positive self-image. These on-going long-term goals still inspire me today, eight years later.
My short-term desires (such as being able to sit in a plastic lawn chair, cross my legs, pick up things off the floor, tie my own shoes, fly without a seat beat extension, sit in a restaurant booth, wear a sweater dress or a khaki pencil skirt) were some of the many milestones that I realized as a result of reaching my long-term goals.
I encourage you to make a list of your motivating factors. Writing brings clarity. Your long-term goals should be strong enough to keep you going long-term—not just for the short-term. They will also serve as a consistent catalyst as you walk out of obesity—they will get you started on the road to success and keep you moving onward into your future—before and after weight loss surgery.