Measuring My 'Success'

As I approach the one-year anniversary of the end of my time as Shape magazine's Weight-Loss Diary columnist -- and, boy, that went fast! -- I can't help but wonder what the scale says today. I know...really, it's not important. Not buying a scale for my house was a conscious decision I made to release myself from a full year of being obsessive and fixated on a number. Honestly, that's no way to live.

We were chatting a few days ago over at MizFit's blog about maintaining weight loss. Lots of readers commented that maintaining can be tough because it just isn't as "sexy" as losing. When you're working hard to lose weight, every pound down is a thrill. When you're maintaining, it's all about jumping on the scale and seeing the needle not move. Not quite the same, eh? But every once in a while, I'm reminded of just how far I've come. Let me share...

Last week, the kids and I went to a party and among the guests was a family that used to live near us. I hadn't seen them in well over a year, and I'd forgotten that they hadn't seen me, either. "Shocked" doesn't begin to describe the look on my friend's face. "You look fantastic," he said. "You've lost a ton of weight!"

"Not quite a ton," I told him. "But quite a bit."

We laughed and I have to say I felt really uplifted by that little exchange. Compliments are always nice, of course, but more importantly, it was a great reminder of the major changes I've made -- and the results they've produced. It's easy to forget how much work it took to create my healthy habits.

A little reminder now and then is great motivation to keep going.

Comments

[WeightingGame]

compliments that lift your spirits are THE BEST! And here's another - you are a gifted, honest, creative and dedicated writer and I can't wait for your book to hit the shelves!

[Allison]

I would say not to weigh your self. I had a terrible day yesterday because I did. My weight was about 4 lbs higher than I would like. Now, I have been lifting heavier weights, some neighbors have commented that I look like I have lost weight. My clothes fit fine and I stood in front of the mirror and thought I looked the best I have in forever, but the number made me crazy. I even asked my husband to scrutinize me and tell me if I looked like I had gained weight (because what husband doesn't love that!). I just couldn't let go of the fact that the number wasn't what I wanted it to be. You got some great positive feedback and you have been an inspiration over the past year for so many people. The number shouldn't matter.

[MizFit]

I, too, loved the SEXY phrasing as it isnt. and isnt. (suxy or discussed enough. IMO we should be preparing to maintain at the same time we're losing.)

you are one amazing women and, perhaps, we in the blogworld need to tell you more often as well.

I think we (the royal) see people who have it SO TOGETHER as you do and think that you dont 'need' compliments (poor working...cant think of better...'couldnt use a' is perhaps better).

we all do every now and then huh?

duly noted.

[Dara Chadwick]

Leslie! What an incredibly sweet thing to say -- I appreciate the moral support and the good wishes.

Allison, your comment reinforces exactly what I mean about the scale. This line, especially: "I stood in front of the mirror and thought I looked the best I have in forever." You look great, you feel great -- why let a "number" change that? Keep up the great work and know that the number can be affected by so many factors, it's not even worth considering.

MizFit, you are so sweet. And I'm always amused when people think I have it "so together." Thanks for the kind words!