So many of us lose weight for cosmetic reasons – it’s probably the most common factor in keeping the weight loss industry going. While it may seem shallow, it’s an unavoidable truth – personal vanity it may be, but we all want to look good, and want people to notice that we do. You can be happy in a long term relationship, but it doesn’t change – even if you don’t want to attract a potential new love interest, it’s always a confidence booster to know that when people look at you they like what they see. Everybody likes positive feedback, there’s no shame in it! Being asked “Have you lost weight?” can really make a person’s day – whether or not they’ll admit it.

Aside from the obvious cosmetic effect of losing weight, it has another advantage. Though it’s not at all fair, it’s an undeniable fact that being a certain weight will open the door to a wardrobe full of nice clothes. The refrain is heard far and wide, depressingly often: “That’s a lovely shirt/top/dress, but they don’t have it in my size”. The people who need the least help to look “good” have access to an endless stream of clothes that flatter their shape. It’s not really the way things should be, but we can’t change it, so we must look for a way to turn it to our advantage. Difficult, but not impossible.

How can we do this? Well, it’s simple, we incentivize ourselves. Losing weight is hard, but when you have something to aim for discipline comes a lot easier. Keep a photo of that piece of clothing that you really covet, and if you want you can even stick it to the fridge door. When you’re about to go and grab a pudding, stop and think whether the sweet taste is worth passing on the confidence boost of wearing that outfit. And once you’ve slimmed down to your ideal weight, go and buy that garment. Buy a couple – the joy of wearing something attractive is incentive enough to want to keep that weight off so that you can keep wearing it.

No related posts.