When it comes to losing weight, it can sometimes be a daunting task. On our journey, barrier after barrier seems to come up and try to stop us along our path. Be it something physical or financial, or even medical.

But I think most people can admit that the hardest part of losing weight is keeping a good outlook and mentality regarding it. It's a long, hard road that despite the great reward at the end (that being, improved health and all its benefits) many of us fall short of the finish line. 

But even if you've started and failed before, don't lose hope! There's plenty of methods to build your mental toughness when it comes to enduring and succeeding where you've failed before. 

The first mental block many of us face is lack of patience. For most dieters, weight loss is too slow to satisfy them. Even though it took them years to gain weight, once they decide to lose weight most people have no patience for the recommended 1-2 pounds per week and tend to fall short. 

To start with, one way to stave off the frustration and impatience is to picture your goal. In almost anything you face in life visualization will be a great aid, so don't be afraid to take the time to just relax and picture where you'll be at the end of your journey. Dig up old photographs of how you looked, or find someone you can look up to physically and strive to look like them. 

Visualization, while healthy, should be tempered with the second method of the mentality of weight loss; realistic expectations. It's not my place to sit here and tell you that you won't look like Arnold at the height of his Olympia days, but I'm more than comfortable reminding you that Rome wasn't built in a day, and results like that will take time and hard work. 

The third method is to set smart goals. Small things that, as you accomplish them, lead to big improvements. Things like starting with a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity a day, or replacing snack time chips with something like a juicy fruit or steamed vegetables. 

Never be afraid to find a group of like-minded people to go on this journey with you, or people who have already made it to the end. At some point or another, all of us need support; and that fact doesn't change when it comes to dieting. People underestimate what the right compliment at the right time can do to boost the motivation of someone who is lagging on their diet. 

And finally, don't forget to reward yourself. Now, I'm not talking about cramming an extra meal in at the end of every night before bed on days you did well, but something like a quick fast food trip on a Saturday where you made great progress the week before can definitely be in the cards while not shooting yourself in the leg regarding your diet. Just remember, 90 percent of losing unwanted pounds is a positive outlook! 

About the author

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

Dr. Constance Odom, MD

About

Constance Tambakis Odom, MD graduated in 1987 with her Doctorate of Medicine from the New York Medical College, and was an Anesthesiologist Resident from 1988 to 1991 at the Brookdale Medical Center PGY II (CA-I)-PGY IV (CA-III). She is Board Certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology since 1998 and American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine since 2002. Constance Odom, MD is affiliated with the American Medical Association, American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, American Society of Anesthesiology, Georgia Society of Anesthesiology, Hellenic Medical Society of New York, North Carolina Society of Anesthesiology, and Society of Ambulatory Anesthesia.

Credentials

Medical Director At:

• Nu Image Medical
• MetroMedispa P.A.

Staff Anesthesiologist at:

• Betsy Johnson Regional Hospital in Dunn, NC
• Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC
• Duplin General Hospital in Kenansville, NC

Director of Anesthesia Services at:

• Jacksonville Surgery Center in Jacksonville, NC

3 years ago · 4 min read