Do you want to lose weight but have a problem keeping yourself motivated and inspired? Have you found yourself researching online for the best fat burn tips and exercise routine and end up just reading about it instead of living it? How many of us have started the year with a resolution to be more healthy and start dieting and exercising seriously but find ourselves losing sight of that goal after a few months? A study conducted by a group from the University of California finds that sharing your weight loss journey online (social media accounts or blog) and to others actually helps you stay on track and eventually makes you reach your goals.
Going Public
The above-mentioned study says that if you make a public commitment about your weight loss goals, you will be more able to work towards it compared to when you stay quiet about your goals. This works because you are pressured by the fact that you will feel ashamed when you fail. It also works because posting about your goal and progress can elicit compliments and support from your family and friends. If you want to go anonymous but you want the support of a community, there are forums and virtual communities that you can join. In these communities, members are sharing their own journeys, giving each other advice and encouragement, and sharing resources like effective diet tips.
How To Share Your Weight Loss Journey
Join online communities, groups, or forums that have similar goals as yours
Share your own goals and progress on your social media accounts
Make videos through YouTube, Facebook or Instagram Live, or Snapchat
Start a blog with Wordpress or Blogger or any storytelling sites
Look for a local group coaching program so you can get the support of a coach and “teammates” to help you stay on track
Track And Share Your Progress
One way to keep you motivated is to keep track of your progress. Once you see how much work you are doing, you will feel more determined because you know you are getting closer to reaching your goal. There are Apps that can help you keep track and the best thing about it is that these apps allow you to share your progress to your social media accounts as well. Check out apps that help track your food intake, count your calories, track the distance you jogged/biked, etc.
Benefits Of Sharing Your Journey
Receiving positive feedback. As mentioned earlier, you can get support online not only from family and friends but also from strangers who want to achieve the same goals. The encouragement and support you get and help you maintain momentum and make you stay enthusiastic about reaching your goal.
Knowing you are not alone. As mentioned above, support can also come from people who have the same goals as you. Seeing the progress of someone who is going through the same struggles can make them feel like they have a fitness buddy to help them out. You can even make friends with them as you try to reach your weight loss goal together.
Encouraging others. There are people out there who have lost hope of getting back in shape again. Seeing your journey and progress from day one can help inspire them to lose weight and be healthier. Show all your hardships, document moments that you felt like giving up, and show them how you chose to rise above and push on.