Where do you stand when it comes to scales???  Do you determine your progress on them OR do you look to a combination of measurements, how your clothes fit, and how you feel overall? 

 

I used to be 100% set on the scale, as in it would not only be what would determine my progress, but was also ALWAYS seem to derail what I was trying to accomplish.  I was too focused on a STUPID number, seriously it’s SO stupid.  In my mind I thought: well if I weigh 120 pounds, then I’ll be skinny and happy.  Um ya that number on the scale doesn’t determine your happiness, nor determines if you’re skinny or not.  Everyone comes in different shapes and sizes, that’s just how we work.  If I didn’t see that number go down (mind you I weighed myself every chance I got) I would resort to starving myself which only led to ridiculous over-eating and being even more miserable.  And here comes in my derailment of my progress --- well the number isn’t going down or it isn’t going down fast enough so I’m quitting.

 

So to not ramble on about my dislike for scales, a few years ago I did the best thing ever…I beat that scale with a hammer and tossed it in the trash.  Talk about freeing!  I would still be tempted to weigh myself at the gym, but as with any bad habit the more I didn’t do it the easier it got to not want/need to do it.  I made a choice to determine my progress to be based on my measurements, how my clothes fit, and how I was feeling both mentally and physically.  Best.choice.ever!

 

I’d say about a year ago I did go out and buy a scale and only use it for the following reasons.  Each time I start a new fitness program I take my before photos, measurements, and weight & then when I finish the program I take my after photo along with measurements and weight.  You need to know where you’re starting so you can determine if what you’re doing is working or not.  With that said, if there is anything I hope you get from this is that you take a chance and base your progress in your journey anything but your weight (especially if you are like I used to be and are constantly weighing yourself).  I challenge you to try this for one month: weigh yourself, take measurement, and your before photos.  Then use that month to base your progress on fitting into something you haven’t worn for a long time, how you feel, inches you’ve lost, increase in your energy, you can run faster, you can do more reps, etc --- this list could go on and on.  Then at the end of those 30 days, then take your after photos, your weight, and measurements.  I can almost bet that you’ll feel better, look better, and have a new way of thinking about how to determine you’re progress. 

 

Point of my story here, would be my most recent victory that has to do with this photo. Two years ago I bought the shirt I’m wearing, it’s a spandex-type material so it’s not forgiving it what it shows.  I was able to wear it for about 6 months and then I didn’t feel comfortable in it any longer as it showed everything I was trying to hid under my clothes.  So at that point it went to the back of the closet...you know out of sight, out of mind type thing.  Well this morning I was looking for something to wear and happened to see it.  Thinking it wouldn’t fit yet, but I was curious, I grabbed it along with one of my go-to Friday casual work shirts.  Well I put it on and BAM, fits…and even better, it’s loose 😊 I don’t have to hid anything or suck anything in all day either.  It fits so nice and I’m 100% comfortable in it and super excited to be wearing it again.  It’s the small victories in life that last a lifetime, and I hope you can find them too!  Happy Friday friends!