Fear of Success

Most of us know all the reasons why we want to lose weight.  What we don't tend to think about is the reasons for not wanting to lose weight.  You may want to look a little below the surface and see if there are any scary feelings that have to do with being successful with your weight loss goal. 

In general, I do think we have fearful feelings when starting anything new.  As a matter of fact, when someone suggested I write this blog, I was actually scared to do it.  I didn't want to admit it, so I cast light on the shadowy fear.  I faced my fears and did it anyway. As a result,  I have found interacting within this media to be pleasurable, thought provoking and fun!  Not as scary as I thought!

I read somewhere that FEAR stands for:
Fantasized and often Frightful
Experiences
Appearing
Real
 
A long time ago,  I read that those fears we conjure up... only 5% of those fears tend to be real.  If this is the case, then what are we doing to ourselves, especially when it comes to weight loss goals?  Lets look at some fears that probably are not real; yet, may be deep inside us.  Here are some examples of emotional issues that may go hand in hand with fear of success:

-Fears we may accomplish ours goals, but still not be happy.

-Feeling we are unworthy or undeserving of the recognition that we have accomplished something successful.  When we lose a significant amount of weight, people do notice the physical you is different.  This can draw attention to ourselves and some people fear that 

-Fears of making mistakes on a diet plan.

-Not believing in yourself to attempt and stick to a diet plan again

-Fears you cannot commit to a healthy weight loss regime

-Not believing you possess the motivation to start or continue on a plan for health.

So, if maybe 5% of these fears or beliefs are not even real what can we do to alleviate our fears?   

Try this to turn fear of success into true success:

Remind yourself of the hard work and effort you have put into you weight loss goals.

Visualize your success.

Take a look at how you can measure your success.  For example, how you feel, look, how your clothes fit, what inches you have lost, even, what the scale says.

Be realistic with yourself by positive thinking.  Try to avoid negative self-talk.

Accept the compliments that are given to you when people see those changes.  Don’t put yourself down after a kind word from someone.  Simply, say “Thank You” when someone compliments you.  

Give consideration to whether any fears are thwarting your weight loss goals. Do not be fearful of your hard earned success. Sometimes this may be something from the past that does not even serve you emotionally anymore.  By casting a light on your shadowy fears, this reduces anxieties and paves the way for a truly successful you!