Over the course of this year I have come to realize that the number on the scale does not define my success in my weight loss and fitness journey. It's easy to get discouraged with my weight loss efforts if the only numbers I'm paying attention to are the ones between my toes. The number on the scale is important, but it doesn't have the final say. It is only one factor you should take into consideration when setting goals for yourself.
Lately I have been getting a little down about the rate of my success. It's hard to keep plugging away at the gym 4 or 5 days a week, all the while watching the scale stay the same for weeks on end. But the scale isn't my only judge. I was reminded of this over this past week, in a few different ways.
I realized I hadn't taken my measurements at all since the beginning of the year. Apparently I underestimated the importance of doing this! So I took out my trusty seamstress measuring tape and compared my newest numbers to when I began in January. I was completely blown away. (I measure 12 body parts - shoulders, chest, waist, abdomen, hips, thigh, knee, calf, ankle, arm, forearm, and wrist.)
I'm down 41 inches combined. I about fell out of my chair adding these up.
I also take progress pictures in minimal clothing. Nobody sees these except for me. Putting these pictures side-by-side each couple of months or so also puts things into perspective. It allows me to see where I am tightening up and what still needs improvement. It really helps to motivate me when I don't think I'm getting results. We get used to seeing our reflection in the mirror everyday, and it's hard to notice the small changes that happen gradually over the course of several weeks or months. Pictures help remind us of where we came from - and for me, where I don't want to go back to.
This past week I also hit a physical goal that I've been trying to do for months. I can partly blame my bum rotator cuff for the delay, but it was more mental than anything really. I finally did an unassisted pull up! *insert major cheering here!* And not just one, but two! It was a huge physical AND mental break for me! I was so excited, I can't wait to go try again tonight!
Last week I also had a couple pairs of jeans basically put out of commission for being too big, as well as my formerly-tightest-pair-of-capri jeans fit with plenty of room to breathe. So even though the scale still says the same number it has for a few weeks, my body is changing. It's getting stronger and leaner. Sometimes I just have to force myself to purposefully look for my progress in other ways and stop giving the number on the scale so much importance.
It's Monday, what are you going to do today to get you closer to your goals??
