I've been thinking a bit about why my 12,000 calorie step goal for 2025 was motivating & really helped me get in more steps. Meanwhile, my weight loss goals continue to feel... slow & not moving along well. I've got generally good habits, work out consistently, and pay attention to what I eat probably 80% of the time. At a certain age, that 20% of time you are not paying attention well outweighs (ha ha) the rest of your good habits.
I'm very motivated by positive goals (e.g. use up one pantry item, give away 5 items on Buy Nothing, list 2 eBay items, go for a walk, accrue x number of steps, get in 150 strength workouts, run 1,000 miles, etc) because it feels easy to get up & mark a few things off of any given goal list each day. On the flip side, weight loss feels a lot about a series of avoidance tactics each day (avoid that treat, don't get a second helping, stop snacking, etc). And, eating is an activity you are consistently doing each day, *and* need to do it right the vast majority of the time in order to see results. I've found it hard to put positive framing around that goal in the past.
For 2026, I'm thinking of changing my approach up a bit and focusing on small steps I can take (& measure, because I love a good tracker) each day. Maybe something around my protein goals & veggies/produce. I know both are important, and I do loosely pay attention. But, I've found that on days when I'm getting enough protein & eating enough healthy stuff, you guessed it, you have less appetite & room for less healthy stuff.
I'm hoping that by pivoting my goals a bit to provide more positive daily incentives on things I can do, it will move me more towards progress. I've also done some experimenting with other positive things (days without alcohol - to be clear, I don't worry about a dependency & enjoy wine on weekends, but the calories do add up, work trips without sugar, etc).
I'd love to hear any ideas you've had for what works for you & particularly any positive motivation or goals that you've used in the past!
Yes, the 20% is a killer for weight. I have put so much of my weight loss back on, just by not paying attention 100% of the time. Definitely adding fitness and intentionality to my 2026.
ReplyDeleteI work on my goal of losing weight and not regaining what I’ve lost everyday. I’m never going back to the overweight person I used to be and working on it every day helps me with that goal.
ReplyDeleteThat was Belinda, btw.
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