Celebrate Non Scale Victories - 1, 2, Buckle My Shoe

Often we get so hung up on what the scale says that we forget about the other things we have accomplished.  Every positive change that we experience during our weight loss or fitness journey isn't going to register on the scale.

It doesn't mean that these accomplishments are any less important.

I was reminded of a non scale victory recently.  I just realized that I am able to buckle my sandals with ease.  Something that most people take for granted was a major challenge for me when I was obese.  Many years ago, shoes with buckles were my arch nemesis.  Regardless of this fact, I still tortured myself by purchasing strappy sandals.  I had so much stomach and chest fat that it was difficult for me to bend over to fasten my shoes.  I'd either have to:

1:  Pre buckle the shoes, then slide my feet inside (often catching a cramp in my foot because the effort was extremely awkward).
2:  Bend my leg behind me backwards (on the bed or couch) and try to buckle the shoe from the side.
3: Solicit a friend to buckle the shoe for me.

Clearly #3 was the most preferred method, but unfortunately I wasn't always given that option.

For many years this was the story of my life.  I've been able to buckle my shoes normally for quite some time now.  However, it just registered last week that I had come a long way!


I know we all want to see the big changes on the scale and in our clothing sizes.  In the meantime, take a moment to reflect on the changes that you HAVE made in: strengthening your body,  losing inches, building muscle, building stamina and making healthier food choices.

For some, this journey may be a long one.  Don't just focus on one definition of success. The scale isn't the be all, end all! 

What are some of your non scale victories?

Skip the perfection....Aim for Balance

One of the things that I find many people attempting when starting off on their journey, is focus on being perfect. Placing unrealistic expectations on yourself only makes the lifestyle change more difficult to maintain.

Perfectionism is defined as: 

a personal standard, attitude, or philosophy that demands perfection and rejects anything less.

WOW, that makes for a lot of pressure.  I am not saying that you should cut corners and not adhere to any type of regimen. I just feel like seeking out absolute perfection is a sure fire way to cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.  Your journey should be about creating changes in your life that you can live with day to day. You should strive to make this journey a positive one.  These changes shouldn't be so severe and restrictive that you are constantly beating yourself up when you achieve anything less than perfection.

Balance is defined as: 

a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight amount, etc.

mental steadiness or emotional stability; habit of calm behavior, judgment, etc.

Strive to achieve a healthy balance.  Commit to making the healthiest choices you can.  Say.......80/90 percent of the time.  If you can find balance at a higher level, by all means go for it! However, by allowing yourself a little cushion you give yourself room for planned AND spontaneous indulgences. 

Unless you live under a rock surely you've seen the Keep Calm and Carry On slogan.  I totally feel like we should apply this to our lives when we find ourselves struggling to stay on task.

Don't burden yourself with perfectionism.  Instead focus on staying grounded and true to your goals.  Keep a positive outlook and forgive yourself if you fumble the ball.  Lose the uptight attitude and figure out where your balance lies.  Your success depends on it.