When it comes to weight loss, it’s common for many to know they want to lose weight, but it is another thing to act upon it. The ancient Greeks described this phenomenon with the word akrasia, or the disposition to act contrary to one’s own considered judgment about what is best to do. So even though you mentally know you should lose weight, you may still opt to not change your ways. Why is that?
Deep down, you may not want to lose the weight. While your consciousness may be ready, there may be underlying reasons that are harder to overcome.
“The familiar feels safer and easier. It may initially take less energy to maintain your current lifestyle patterns and not change your daily routine. But this might not be what you yearn for, and is not always in your best interest,” says Psychology Today regarding knowing versus doing.
In fact, Dr. Kim Feinstein, Psy. D., and Medical Weight Loss Specialist at Red Mountain echoes the same sentiment: “It may be too difficult to give up the things you love, or you’re not ready to make the sacrifices.” She continues, “You may ask yourself, How do I accept discomfort? How do I tolerate the sacrifices?”
Here are some tips on how you can close the gap between knowing and doing.
1. Discover your WHY.
“Make your WHY greater than the cons. You don’t need willpower, you need WHY power!” says Dr. Feinstein. Delve deep into your inner wants and needs, and uncover the true reasons why you want to lose weight. Always go back to your WHY when you feel like faltering from your path.
2. Make a list of pros for your goals and envision having them.
From better vitals to more energy, there are a multitude of benefits to weight loss. Choose a few that are customized for you, and envision having them. Return to this vision when you face temptation.
3. Raise your awareness for better decisions.
There will be times you will have to face the decision to go back to bad habits or develop newer, healthier ones. “It’s important to be aware of the situations where you are most vulnerable to making a bad decision,” reports Fast Company. Whether it’s late night snacking or stress eating, raise your awareness so you can make better decisions when the time comes.
4. Record your progress.
Keep a weight loss journal and record your wins, losses, and This will help remind you that weight loss is a journey, not a destination, and keep you motivated the whole way through.
5. Lean on your RM® support system.
As you take this step into your new way of life, having a plan to follow and a partner to support you will make this lifestyle change easier. Be sure to carefully follow your individualized diet plan and guidelines outlined for you to keep you on track to lifelong success.
