Non Scale Victories and Proud Moments

What would weight loss be like if we only considered ounces or pounds down as a mark of success?  What would the journey feel like if we did everything right but somehow, through no fault of our own, ended up staying the same--or worse--gaining over the course of a week?  It would likely be far more frustrating and defeating than what we'd like. 

Instead, let's consider the fact that there are multiple ways to measure success, improvement, behavior change, attitude adjustment and mindset shift.  By focusing on the many ways we are actually progressing, we remind ourselves that we are not a number.  We are so much more important than a number, which is always wiggling anyway. 

Taking time to regularly reflect on how things are going is a way to stay grounded and aware.  For example, consider what you are buying at the grocery store?  Does your cart look different than it used to?  What are you adding in these days?  What are you trying to leave out?  Now consider what you order in restaurants.  Are you thinking ahead and making decisions before you get there?  Are you splitting entrees or making special requests?  These things may become your new normal, but there was probably another time when things went very differently.

Now, let's consider how we celebrate our victories.  It makes no sense to celebrate good habits with bad ones, but it seems like we often fall into that trap.  Creating new ways to mark proud moments can help redefine our relationship with food.  A special activity, a new workout outfit, a manicure or massage can really mean something more when it marks personal achievement.

As kids, we had report cards to tell us how we were doing.  As adults, we get feedback in other ways.  The scale is but one way to discover how weight loss is going, but it doesn't tell the whole story.  Slowing down long enough and often enough to check in and notice what is changing, what is different and what feels better can be the report we really need to hear.  Acknowledging progress keeps us engaged in the life long journey of self improvement.  That is something to celebrate!