7 Mental Keys to Weight Loss

The hardest part of getting into a routine or getting a workout done is we mentally talk ourselves out of it.  Listen to your inner monologue and you'll hear:
- "I just don't have time today"
- "I'm too tired to work out today"
- "It's too hot/cold out today"

Here are 7 tips to get you to overcome the mental hurdles and get the work done:

1)  Create Goals - I know this one has been ingrained into our brains, but it is a cornerstone to being successful.  Make goals for the year, month, week, and the day.  The daily, weekly, and monthly goals should align with reaching your annual goal.  Keep them attainable, but require hard work and reaching.  Post them where you can see them each day.  Here is more information on setting goals.

2)  Post Your Workouts or Planned Workouts on Social Media Outlets - This is a way to indirectly hold yourself accountable to others and lets your friends know what you're doing. 

3)  Educate Yourself - We tend to be more engaged and excited about doing something the more we know about it.  There are a lot of good resources out there today on the web and on news stands near you.

4)  Get Out of Your Own Way - This is one of the biggest inhibitors I see today.  Making excuses, using false logic, procrastination and other ways we try and trick ourselves out of doing the work.  Clear your mind of the negative self-talk replace it with positive self assurance..

5)  Take it Day by Day - It's not what you did yesterday or will do tomorrow that counts, it's what you're going to do today.  Refer to your daily goals.  Consistency counts.

6)  Avoid Instant Gratification - Today's society relies heavily on instant gratification.  Information and feedback is so instantaneous that we expect that from everything we do.  Getting the fitness and body you want takes time.  You will get instant gratification of feeling energized and a sense of accomplishment after a work out and good nutrition, but be patient and the work will pay off in the long run.

7)  Conquer the Foothills, not the Mountain Today - Starting off slow and hitting small milestones will guide you to more success than going full bore out of the gate.  Build your confidence slowly and consistently.


Reaching your goals is 90% mental and 10% talent.  You've got the fitness and nutrition knowledge, now it's time to conquer the mental roadblocks and meet your goals.

For more information and training plans, visit GettingFitness