Finding motivation by utilizing innate human abilities
I know that when you read the title of this page some of you might get nervous and think that problem solving means having to do fractions again. Rest assured that there is no math involved and there will not be a quiz at the end. When I use the term "Problem Solving" I'm referring to every human's innate ability to solve problems (big or small) on a daily basis.
So right now the problem that you find in front of you is that you are lacking the motivation to lose weight. No matter how much weight you want to lose, those pounds are going to seem like a formidable opponent if you aren't properly armed with the motivation and skills to win the fight.
Arming yourself
I'm going to give you a scenario and I want you to think of exactly how YOU would handle this problem if it was happening to you. You walk in to your bathroom one morning (or whatever time of day #1 or #2 start pestering you) and you notice a small puddle on the floor under the sink. You look at the pipes and don't see anything leaking. So you wipe up the puddle assuming it was just a weird random occurrence and you move on with your day. The next time you return to use the facilities you notice another puddle under the sink but this time it is bigger. Still no noticeable drip.
So there are several different ways you could handle a problem like this:
1. You call a professional (plumber) to come handle the problem.
2. You know a little bit about plumbing and you like to tinker so first you go online and lookup the problem. You find out what you think the problem is and how to fix it. You go to the hardware store and pick up the necessary parts to fix the problem.
3. You have a friend or family member who is good with fixing things so you call him/her and ask them to come help fix the problem.
4. You do nothing and just ignore the puddle hoping that it won't get worse.
So choose one of the solutions shown above (or one I didn't think of) and write it down. Now think about these different problem solving strategies and turn the problem from "puddle under the sink" to "lose amount of pounds". Most likely you automatically knew how you would solve the puddle under the sink problem and you didn't feel overwhelmed about it. The strategies that you use to solve everyday problems can be adapted to losing weight. Here is an overview on how the solutions to the puddle problem can be adapted to losing weight:
1. You can also call in a professional to handle the problem. There are several doctors that specialize in healthy weight management and there are most likely programs available in your area.
2. You've tried to lose weight before so you aren't a weight loss neophyte. You can browse the internet and find thousands of articles, programs, and products to help you lose weight.
3. You have a family member or friend who has successfully lost weight and kept it off. Talk to them to get some useful tips and motivation from someone that you trust.
4. You can also do nothing and not try to lose weight. I'm sure now you are expecting me to start you on a guilt trip by telling you about all of the crazy, horrible, dangerous things that will happen to you if you don't do something about the problem soon. I'm going to tell you that it is perfectly acceptable to ignore your issue with weight until you feel equipped to deal with it. Trying to start losing weight when you have nothing but a pit in your stomach and guilty feelings about the whole thing is not going to lead you to success.
So I hope these examples have helped open up your thought process about your specific situation and enabled you to apply your natural problem solving abilities to a personal foe (weight loss) that once seemed like a formidable opponent. So now that you are more properly armed and your brain juices are flowing (go get a bucket to catch the extra) you are getting nearer to starting on the road to successful weight loss. Since you will be traveling soon I suggest you start packing a few essentials such as your blankie, several new pairs of underwear, and some toilet seat covers. The road you will be traveling on is made out of yellow bricks so you may also want to bring a dog and wear bright red shoes.
