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Write Your Vision Statement for Weight Loss

Find Out Why You've Set Your Goals

-- By Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert

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If you give it some thought, I bet you’ll agree that losing weight is not really your goal. Sure you want to lose weight and it's important to you. But why? Is it because some number on a scale is really that important and meaningful in and of itself? Probably not.

If you’re like most people, you probably want to lose weight because in your mind that will make it easier for you to live the kind of life you want to live.

What this means in concrete terms will be different for everyone. It may involve solving or preventing medical problems; living to see children and grandchildren grow up; having the ability to do activities that you enjoy (or need to do); or looking in a mirror or going out in public without feeling like some kind of escapee from a circus side show act.

But whatever your real goals might be, losing weight is just one thing that will help you achieve those goals. It is not the ultimate goal itself, and that's important to keep in mind while working on your weight loss. Maintaining your motivation for a long-term project like weight loss means clearly picturing the real reasons for all of your hard work. If you make the mistake of getting the means confused with the ends, at least two major problems can develop:

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Dean Anderson
Dean Anderson has master's degrees in human services (behavioral psychology/stress management) and liberal studies. His interest in healthy living began at the age of 50 when he confronted his own morbid obesity and health issues. He joined SparkPeople and lost 150 pounds and regained his health. Dean has earned a personal training certification from ACE and received training as a lifestyle and weight management consultant. See all of Dean's articles.