One Step At A Time

Most people embarking on a diet set a goal weight, after which they intend to indulge in a little retail therapy and buy clothes in their new and improved size. While this may seem like a good motivational factor, in fact it can sometimes have the opposite effect – especially when that target weight is many, many months away. After all, that dress in a smaller size you love right now might not be available in six months time.

So why not try a stage-by-stage investment in new clothes, rather than one big bulk buy upon reaching a target weight. Start by, as you usually would, setting a target weight. For ease of maths sake, for this example let’s say you wish to lose four stone. Take your target weight and divide it into quarters, so in this case it would be one stone a time. At the end of each quarter, having achieved your goal weight, go and buy some new clothes in your new size.

The effects of this are two-fold. The most obvious of this is a reward for hard work much sooner than most originally expect. You’ll find going in to a store and buying clothes in a smaller size, that look and feel better, an exciting experience and it should hopefully motivate you to continue. Most diets require good motivation for them to be successful and this is one of the best ways to do it. Shopping will also give you fresh determination, as you may see things that don’t fit yet, but you know if you continue will fit.

Then there’s a slightly more cynical advantage, but an important one nevertheless. As you purchase your new clothes at quarterly intervals, throw away some of your biggest current clothes. This will create a sense of ‘no going back’ – if you don’t continue with your diet, you’re going to have to go and buy new clothes that are a size you’re not comfortable with. Having clothes in your largest size readily available isn’t great for motivation, as it’s too easy to just think it doesn’t matter and slip back into your old wardrobe. Regular treats and rewards, while kissing goodbye to your old clothes and size, will see your diet a success.
After all, that dress in a smaller size you love right now might not be available in six months time.

So why not try a stage-by-stage investment in new clothes, rather than one big bulk buy upon reaching a target weight. Start by, as you usually would, setting a target weight. For ease of maths sake, for this example let’s say you wish to lose four stone. Take your target weight and divide it into quarters, so in this case it would be one stone a time. At the end of each quarter, having achieved your goal weight, go and buy some new clothes in your new size.

The effects of this are two-fold. The most obvious of this is a reward for hard work much sooner than most originally expect. You’ll find going in to a store and buying clothes in a smaller size, that look and feel better, an exciting experience and it should hopefully motivate you to continue. Most diets require good motivation for them to be successful and this is one of the best ways to do it. Shopping will also give you fresh determination, as you may see things that don’t fit yet, but you know if you continue will fit.

Then there’s a slightly more cynical advantage, but an important one nevertheless. As you purchase your new clothes at quarterly intervals, throw away some of your biggest current clothes. This will create a sense of ‘no going back’ – if you don’t continue with your diet, you’re going to have to go and buy new clothes that are a size you’re not comfortable with. Having clothes in your largest size readily available isn’t great for motivation, as it’s too easy to just think it doesn’t matter and slip back into your old wardrobe. Regular treats and rewards, while kissing goodbye to your old clothes and size, will see your diet a success.