Find Your Anchor

[p.c.]

We talked about finding an "anchor" that would keep you focused and "attached" to your goal. We heard such ideas as hanging a bikini or slinky lingerie in view, etc. I personally am going to a fancy spa for my 40th birthday with a friend, and we decided that the name of the spa would be our anchor and mantra!

[Tina_30]

hi pc
this is a good idea, i'm going to pick an anchor and I think it will help keep me motivated. Thanks for posting that!

[Green Lady]

Good idea, to have an anchor. Something visual and motivating! Yes.

I guess I have several. One of them is a Scottish kilt in our family tartan that my father bought for me. I have never been able to wear it since my father bought it in quite a smaller size than I have been for years and years and years. I sure would like to since in is so special and I am sure expensive. He bought it in Scotland when he was there on vacation. I keep it hanging where I see it often. I am making definite progress toward being to be able to wear it but it will be a while.

p.*.: your spa trip is a good idea. How long to your birthday?

Tina: Please, when you come up with your own personal anchor, do let us know what it is.

[healthydays]

I like the spa idea. This is something that would make me feel good.

I think that the most important thing is that the anchor we choose is something that we really look forward to and that it makes us smile even now. For example, a bikini wouldn't work for me. If I hung up a bikini now I think it would just make me feel bad because I am such a long way from being able to wear one (indeed if ever).

The same thing can be said about keeping our old clothes that no longer fit. (I am certainly not referring to the kilt because this seems to be a very positive item). To keep and look at too tight clothing can just make us feel bad because we are not now what we once were.

Obviously there is no one right answer for everybody. Something that would motivate me might send the next person running in depression for the snacks. I just think that we must each pick our anchors very carefully so that we can be motivated by them and so they make us feel good even today.

[donnashops]

I was just talking to my husband the other day about this, not calling it an anchor but what can I give myself at the end of this journey for all my hard work, something I can use to visualize getting to my goal. A bikini is out I have had 3 kids and I would need a tummy tuck for that I am going to have to think this one out some more.

[Parham91x2]

My anchor is the new niece or nephew we are expecting in April. I want to be comfortable with being in the pictures when the baby is born and not hide like I do now.

Chris

[Proud&Sassy]

A neat anchor that I've seen is a string of paper clips (one for each pound you've lost). Hang it in a spot where you'll see it often to remind you of what you've done so far and motivate you to make it longer!

Another one is hand-made card for your wallet that says "Nothing tastes as good as fit feels"

P&S

[donnashops]

The paper clips sounds like a nice way to see how far you have come. I may even tweak it a bit and hang one with what I have lost and one with what I have to lose and every time I lose take from the have to lose and add to the lost.

[Jeidi]

I really like the paperclip one!

I'm gonna go with that one...

Hazel:jumprope:

[Tina_30]

I agree with healthyshops, an anchor is pretty important and should be something truly special to the individual. Like Donnashops i'm having a hard time coming up with one. For now though i'm doing the paperclip idea because I do like the visual hanging at my desk at work and no one else knows what it means so it is kinda special. I'm going to use gold paperclips for every 5 lb mark or a colored one, I've got some red ones and some other colors in there that would be good to use for the milestones. Thanks for that idea Proud&Sassy!!

[donnashops]

I like the idea about putting a different color one for 5 pounds marks Tina. I am also going to do that.

Thanks for all the ideas:)

[ashlee]

Just thought of something our leader told us a while back.

She eats out a lot with her sisters, friends, etc. She keeps a picture of her "larger self" inside her glass case because she has to get out her glasses to read a restaurant menu and the picture reminds her to pick choices wisely.

I don't really have a special anchor. Clothes would not work for me, or just being healthy for family, etc.

I do have my Italian charm bracelet so I might come across a charm some day that will "do it" for me.Not sure what else would work. Will think about it.

Ashlee :walking:

[WWCarol]

Our leader suggested we read ALL the Tools For Living again...and this time I did. ;)

It surprised me that the anchor doesn't have to be a thing.

Here's an excerpt:

"This technique helps you get in touch with your personal strengths whenever you need them...For example, by remembering a past event that made you feel competent, and then deciding upon an object, word, or image to remind you of that event and feeling, you can be competent again any time you want or need to."

It even mentioned how you can get the image in your mind and then "touch" something (i.e. a ring) to anchor you~

I'm still working on mine, too...:rolleyes:

[faith2002girl]

I have bought a t-shirt of my favourite country music band, Doc Walker. It's such an awesome t-shirt and it should fit me at my goal weight. I had it in the closet where I didn't see it and it didn't inspire me but now I put it out where I can see it and now everytime I see it, I long to wear it, LOL! That is a big motivation. I also promised to get myself a hockey jersey of the Toronto Maple Leafs when I get to my goal.

Tammy :)

P.S. I love the paperclip idea too!

[ChopChop]

I think an anchor is a great idea! Mine is going to be my new smaller clothes.
I have really enjoyed feeling good about my appearance. Also, shopping is
enjoyable now and it used to be just plain out depressing. So when I am tempted I'm gonna think about that. Cause shopping is more fun that eating, anyday! Hehe

[Tinatulips]

Carol,

You got it, that is exactly what an anchor should be. Something that connects you to a memory of success or a positive, motiviating thought or anything that will motivate and inspire you to meet your goals. I gave my GF's a cross with blue stones and I have one too, when they touch it or hold it, it gives us all strenght. Let's us know that we will succeed, we have support. My personal anchor is an ancient lady shape, it reminds me that I am a shapely woman and that I have succeed before.:bcbsalute