Rewarding Your Accomplishments

So lately I have been thinking about the difficulty in buying new clothes while losing weight. I always think this is hard, especially if you have a little more than just a size or so to lose. As I am 5’11”, I have to lose about 15-20 pounds to fully transition between sizes and I have a few sizes to lose. Ugh. Transitioning between sizes is always hard and at times very frustrating. As you start to lose weight your clothes start fitting better and it is inspiring, then they start getting baggy and hang on you which can be frustrating but unfortunately you still don’t quite fit into the next size down so you have to wear those clothes and watch them get baggier and baggier until the day you finally put on the pants that are a size down and they actually fit! Then you start the process over again. That stage right before you transition to a new size is always the hardest because you want clothes that fit so you can feel better and show off the weight lost, but you do not want to spend the money (if you are like me) because hopefully in a couple months or so that pair of pants will also be too big for you. So I wear clothes to the point of nearly falling off of me then look through my closet for another pair of pants that will sort-of fit while I lose weight and try to avoid spending any money what-so-ever on new clothes unless I just have no choice but to buy pants (since wearing sweatpants to work has not been approved).


However, a couple weeks ago I absolutely needed a couple new shirts so headed over to the clearance section of Kohl’s and found a couple things that were under $10 that fit perfectly! Because I am use to wearing baggy clothes I forgot how much I love the feeling you get when you find something that looks good on you and that makes you feel good about yourself! After going in-between different sizes the past few months and having feelings of both excitement and frustration I decided at that moment that it is very important to buy one thing that makes you feel better about yourself and is a reward for the weight loss accomplishments you have achieved. It does not have to be anything expensive; I personally prefer lower-priced items because there is no guilt at all and the items tend to be more versatile. It does not just have to be a pair of pants or a shirt either…maybe some new under garments, PJ’s, some tank tops, or even new work out pants will make you feel better. I have never been one who uses gifts for myself as a reward. However, I have a new outlook on what will keep me motivated and I think within limits it IS important to reward myself for the hard work I have done....and anyone who is working to lose weight knows it is not easy....so rewarding yourself is a great motivator!!

So I have something for everyone to think about. Think of some goals in regards to your weight/exercise/diet and then give yourself rewards when you accomplish those things. Make sure your goals are attainable while also being somewhat challenging. For instance you may have a main weight loss goal of XX amount in XX number of days. But set smaller goals along the way that will help you achieve that bigger goal. As for your rewards, they can be anything. As I said maybe a new outfit, new tank tops but if you don't want clothes also try a new DVD or music you wanted, going to a movie, doing something fun you have wanted to do - nothing too expensive just something that is a special treat.



My Goals and Rewards

As I achieve these goals, I will create a new set of goals. Currently my goals are focused on working out, specifically walking*, as that is the area I struggle with the most but will have the biggest impact on my weight loss. Plus the amount I spend has to be equal to the goal achieved. I have budgeted what we can afford based on not only the goal but how long it should take me to achieve that goal.


1. I will be keeping track of the miles I walk during the week and when I have reached a total of 20 miles walked I am getting a couple tank tops.

2. When I have reached a total of 50 miles walked new workout pants.

3. When I have reached a total of 100 miles walked I am getting new outfit. (a bigger reward for a bigger goal)


So if interested in doing this as well think about YOUR goals and a few rewards that will keep you motivated! As always, if you feel like sharing please do!!

*my new plan to come