4 stream-of-unconsciousness mindsets when trying to lose weight

4 mindsets that stop weight loss

Along crawled a classic question:

Why do attempts to lose weight fail despite dieting?

One of the biggest frustrations is when someone decides ‘enough is enough’ and starts hitting the local gym or hops on a diet – but shockingly they are not rewarded for their efforts (at least not in the way they expected).

Psychologically that puts them in a bind because they are working hard… making sacrifices… and putting in sweat equity.

But it’s not working.

(Or so they think)

Here are four mindsets that can get in the way:

One measuring stick dilemma

Many people have one, maybe two measuring sticks to gauge their success. In many cases, it’s the bathroom scale. So if the scale is not showing progress they assume they are not making progress (and possibly failing at life). The reality is: they might have too few measuring sticks. And if they had more ways to measure, they might realize they are right on track. In some cases, they might realize they are already kickin’ butt.

Expecting linear results

Many people have an expectation of linear results - that results will be constant. And that what works will always work. But the path is never strait, it ebbs and flows. There’s volatility in it. And what works at first, might not always work. You might have to adjust your approach to breakthrough to another level.

Destination vs. journey

Many people attack their fitness goals with an underlying belief: As soon as I get my goal weight then I’ll be happy. Or then I’ll be done. Problem is, that’s not how lasting transformation happens. It’s not about ‘getting fit’ and then being done with it and moving onto something else. It’s about a much different relationship with nutrition and exercise where it expands and enhances all other areas of life.  

Short-term vs. long-term strategies

Short-term many people can put up with spinach salads, celery sticks and lack of variety in their meals. Short-term many people can turn down dessert or bread at the restaurant. Many people can push through and suffer if they set their mind to it - for a finite amount of time. But long-term this is hard to do. It takes a different approach. That’s why it takes a willingness to embrace healthy and delicious. And it takes embracing a new lifestyle where you enjoy the results and enjoy the process.

These are just a few stream-of-consciousness thoughts on the topic. Not sure who might have needed to hear this but these tend to be what trip people up most often in my experience.

For a deeper dive into the mindset of lasting transformation, athleticism and a whole new relationship with fitness, check out:

Mind-Body Breakthroughs

Kelan Ern