We’ve all hit that point of no return. The wall. The plateau. The top of the hill. Whatever term you use, it’s still the most discouraging part of weight loss. No matter how hard you stare at the scale, your weight just won’t budge anymore. At this point, you may feel like you’re done. You can’t go any further, and that’s the end of your dreams of dropping that dress size.

Or is it?

Sometimes staying motivated to lose weight requires more effort and discipline than the actual weight loss. You’re so close! But getting over the top of the hill and blasting through that plateau requires more than a heavier set of dumbbells. Rather, the key to working off that weight is to stop playing mind games with yourself and start a new strategy to stay fit.

Maintaining Motivation

If you’ve ever watched a professional marathon runner, you might have noticed that they rarely run full speed ahead from the get go. Instead, they pick an easy pace with a steady but unwavering beat because they’re in it for the long haul.

Losing weight is a lot like running a marathon. Although you may start out super strong, restocking your pantry and hitting the hardcore training exercises, if you push yourself too hard too fast, you’ll run out of steam before you get to the finish line. Overhauling your workout routine, carefully counting calories, and busting your butt to stay fit will leave you sore, snacking, and throwing in the towel.

It’s better to stay focused by keeping just one foot in front of the other. Break down that dream dress size into smaller, more achievable goals, then reward yourself for each successfully completely step. Not only will you start seeing better results, but you’ll be able to build and maintain the motivation to cross the finish line and reap the rewards of your healthier lifestyle.

Are You Going for the Gold?

That slimming pair of jeans. That sexy little black dress. The itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini… They’re all good motivators to get you started on the road to weight loss. You know what you want, and you’re willing to work to get there.

Yet, after weeks of wearing yourself out, sometimes these dreams fade from view in the hustle to hit the gym every Thursday afternoon after work.

Going for the gold is often the best way to get yourself started, but in the end, the only one who gets the prize is the one who finishes the race. Losing weight and staying healthy is a lifetime process, and it may take years before you’ll actually start seeing the long-term results of your hard work. Without the proper motivation, you may find yourself running into the wall face-first and then falling flat on your back.

Instead, start taking note of smaller changes such as a better mood, increased energy levels, and better sleep. Realize that though you might not be able to fit into your picture perfect wardrobe now, you’re making improvements for a healthier life later.

Stop Staring Down the Scale

No matter how many times you check the scale, it’s not going to miraculously drop after doing a few sit-ups every day for the past week. As much as you want to feel the satisfaction of seeing those numbers slide away, your motivation will be taking a hit when you fail to see the results. Some days, the numbers just won’t show you how much progress you’ve really made.

Though you may be making the right choices, changing your diet and burning those extra calories, some differences can’t be measured immediately with that bathroom scale. Weight fluctuates from day to day due to various factors such as hydration, and it isn’t always an accurate reflection of your hard work.

Instead, tuck the bathroom scale away and find a new way to gauge your success. Challenge yourself by seeing how steps you’ve taken in a week, then outdo yourself by adding another 1000 steps the following week. Track how many pushups you can do in a minute and work toward doubling that number. Break your own records rather than worrying about breaking the scale.

Keep on Keeping on

We’ve all seen those fad diets on TV: insane ways to lose weight fast without the work. Just pop a pill and you’re model thin or your muscles are supersized. But no matter how appealing that late night infomercial may seem, in the back of your head, you know the truth: celebrities are being paid to endorse the product, and these same celebrities have an entire team of personal trainers and chefs to keep them looking great with or without that “miracle pill.”

If you’re going to stay motivated and break past that plateau, then you’ll want a plan that works for the whole nine yards. Keep it reasonable so you can keep on keeping on. Stick to the standard fruits and veggies and lean meats rather than relying on crazy pasta and chocolate diets. Find a sport that you love and be creative with your time, looking for new ways to keep moving rather than painfully pushing yourself at the gym each day.

Remember, fads will inevitably fade, and once you stop taking that pill, the weight will come back with a vengeance.

Get a Group

If you find that you simply can’t make it on your own anymore, then it’s time you called in the recruits! The best motivators are the ones who aren’t just cheering you on the sidelines but are running alongside you, occasionally pushing you from behind to keep going. Join a club, find a friend, get a neighbor, buy a dog – you can do more with a team than you’ll ever do on your own.

Studies have shown that those who’ve made their goals public have a much better chance of nailing that diet or losing those pounds. Start a “biggest loser” competition at work and pool money to reward the weight loss winner.

Supplement

Although there is no replacement for a good diet and regular exercise, a quality weight loss pill can help stimulate your fat burning fires, helping you to lose more weight than dieting and exercise alone.

When used correctly, products with natural ingredients such as African Mango or Green Tea make great weight loss tools for pushing past that plateau and giving you just the little extra boost you need to keep going.

IrvingiAppress, for example, is an excellent dietary supplement that uses a 4 step formula to help you lose weight. This powerful pill can help boost your metabolism, break down fat cells, inhibit the storage of fat, and suppress your appetite. With IrvingiAppress, you just might be able to finally start seeing the difference in your workouts as well as your waistline.