how to keep on track with weight loss goal

On the other hand, intrinsic or internal motivation involves doing something out of pleasure or for the joy of doing it. It can also be incredibly demotivating when the weight loss results don't quite look as you pictured them. While this type of motivator can be great from the start, it is still fairly surface level and will quickly lose its steam. This is called external or extrinsic motivation. Oftentimes when someone is looking to lose weight, they focus on the outcome they are desiring, such as looking a certain way, hitting a specific number on the scale, or fitting into an old pair of pants. When it comes to weight loss or any positive change you are trying to make, the type of motivation can often be more important than anything else. It is also used in times of stress or loss and is strongly linked to our motivation ( 2). While it is fairly well understood that it influences our desire to chase rewards, it is not only released in times of pleasure. It is actually a common misconception that dopamine is the 'pleasure' chemical-it does much more than that. This helps us produce motivation to take action ( 1). When dopamine is released from this area of the brain it signals to us that something good or bad is about to happen. The other area of the brain that produces dopamine is the ventral tegmental area, in the center of your brain. Dopamine from this area of the brain helps produce movement and speech. It is made in the substantia nigra, a tiny strip on either side of the brain. Oftentimes, it is a product of dopamine-the well-known, feel-good chemical in your brain.ĭopamine is produced in two different parts of the brain. Motivation is sparked through our neurotransmitters, which are designed to release chemical messages that keep us alert and on task. Where Does Weight Loss Motivation Come From? Weight loss motivation is simply the aforementioned definition applied specifically to losing weight. Recognizing this will help you cycle motivation and create the discipline necessary to achieve results. A choice you make for yourself to pursue something new. The thing is, it does not stand alone it's the initial spark that sets the fire, and keeping it can be just as much of a challenge as finding it in the first place. Motivation is a very broad term that a lot of people throw around at the beginning of a big change, hoping if they have a lot of it, they can be successful. In other words, it is the drive that makes you want to make a change and stick to it.

Motivation is the desire to perform voluntary movements to achieve the desired outcome.

How to keep on track with weight loss goal