Motivation, what works? I need help...

[DMickey28]

I have none.

I get married in two months and a week. We have our shower party this weekend. It's a surprise party that my parents are throwing us at their club this weekend. I wanted to lose 10 lbs for it. Did I? NO

I joined the Y and I actually have gone a few days a week. I do a little cardio and the machines for weights. Haven't seen any results yet, other than being able to raise the amount of weights I can lift by a few pounds now. No change in weight, no change in the way my clothes fit.

I need to get fit, I need to lose weight.... I have no motivation. Not just for that either.

I dress in clothes too baggy for me. I fit into a 12 in my thighs and hips and 10 or even 8 in my waist, therefor I end up looking frumpy. I grew my hair out for the wedding it's halfway down my back, I hate it.... drags my face down again frumpy. I don't want to cut it because I don't know how short I can go for the wedding and being able to put it up.

My face is puffy, I need to lose a few pounds. I have bad skin and have done everything to help it. It has good days but when I put makeup it's game over so I don't wear make up.

I am presenting such a pretty picture aren't I?

So how do you get motivated? Motivated to get up early enough to do hair and makeup? Motivated to get up early enough to exercise. Nights isn't work out very well for me....

Can you buy motivation anywhere.....

 

[wtpclc]

The only motivation I can give you that that when you look good and know you are healthier, you feel better. That helps to motivate you for the next day.

I'm no fashion plate, but I figured out a LONG time ago that I feel better when I have makeup on and do my hair.

Now that I'm healthier and losing weight, I feel great.

There are a lot of makeups out there that don't clog pores and are very light. Have you tried them? Maybe give your face a break just on the weekends. That's what I like to do (at least Saturdays). I don't know if money's an issue, but I really like Clinique. They're a little more expensive, but they tend to last ~ a year and my face is happy with it. Plus, eating healthier can help your complexion.

Go see someone about your hair. Tell them how you want to wear it for your wedding and see what they can do to perk it up and still be able to have the wedding "do" you want. Maybe just highlights?

If that doesn't help, just take it one day at a time. Pick one day for your goal and do your hair and makeup, eat healthy and exercise. See how you feel. If you feel better about yourself, it may help motivate you for day 2.

No one can do it for you, though. You've got to take the first step. But, you'll find a lot of people here to support you once you've made the decision to be healthier! Check out some of the success stories here. That may help.

Good Luck! Let us know how it goes!

 

[LuvTigger]

I've found that for me personally, I have to ease into things. Trying to make drastic changes overnight can be further discouraging. Like wtpclc, I put makeup on every day, or at least the days I go to work.

If you have trouble getting up a few minutes earlier, maybe you could try easing into it? For example, one absolutely non-negotiable item for me is my skin care routine. For me, it's like brushing teeth...I would never leave the house without brushing my teeth. Same goes for my skin care, I would never leave the house without cleansing my face, using toner, and moisturizer. I do it not only because it feels better, but to protect my face from the elements.

At one time, I wasn't wearing makeup daily. Then, I decided it just makes me feel confident. Plus, I work in a job where I might unexpectedly have to attend a meeting, and I would be pretty embarassed if I didn't look reasonably presentable.

I think if you could just get up 10-15 minutes earlier to do that, that would be a start. Then you can try to make other changes from there.

As far as the exercise, I can totally relate...I tried getting up early. It just doesn't work for my lifestyle, so I decided to find other things that will fit into my way of doing things. I have a standing date with a friend to go walking every Monday and Wednesday. I've found that having a commitment to do something with a friend really helps. Even when I can't go because of the hectic nature of my job, I try to do things like taking the stairs between floors in my building, or taking the long way to the bathroom. I wear a pedometer, which really helps me to monitor how many steps I take, and gives me an incentive to walk a little more.

Are you considering changing your eating habits? Everyone's body works differently, but for me, exercise alone isn't as effective as combining it with a modified way of eating.

Good luck, and please let us know how we can help you further! You really can do this!

 

[JustMe28]

Hi, there. I AM the Excuse Queen. If I have something I really need to do, to improve my health, my looks or how I feel - well, I have a million excuses of why I cannot do it. And, if you can believe it, I really didn't realize I was doing this until recently.

I don't know if you make excuses of why you can't take the time for yourself (for your makeup, etc.) but I have to say, if you do, I can relate. There's never enough hours in the day, I have other things I need to do, I don't want to wake up earlier, work takes up too much of my time... I could go on and on. I have a million of them.

All I know is, when I DO take the time for myself, to make myself look more beautiful, I feel better having done it all day long. I complain while applying my makeup, taking the time for myself, but wow, I do feel better and thankful I did when I run into people I know. The bottom line is, you have to take time for yourself - you'll always be glad you did!

 

[LAinSEA]

DMickey28:

Baby, you need to slow down a little. You remind me of myself a little over 16 years ago (my problem was that I couldn't keep a thing down the 8 weeks of planning our wedding. My mother kept hoping that I was pregnant...but that hasn't happed either.)

OK, breathe! The skin problem - I have the oilest skin on the planet (at age 40!). I use Benzoil Peroxide...try the Proactiv - it helps with whatever is wrong with your skin. It will even out your skin tone too!

10 lbs - not before the weekend but definitely by your wedding. Do it with exercise - be diligent...even if it's just a 30 minute walk every other day between time at the Gym. The exercise will help you deal with the stress too.

Clothes - go to a really nice department store and work with an experienced sales gal or a consultant. More tailored clothing will make you look slimmer. I like the baggy clothes too - but they are not very flattering. Get yourself just a couple of really nice outfits, don't go overboard until you are comfortable with your new look.

Your sweetie must love you just the way you are - he's marrying you right?!!! So again, take a big deep breath. Re-examine why you are doing this... is this the right thing for you? Remember, through all this...YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY!

-Laurie