Measuring Success Outside of the Scale
By Nicole Kiley, MSc, RD
Are you endlessly searching for satisfaction with your weight? Do you find your mood to be affected by the number you see on the scale? For those of you who struggle with the scale, I read a great quote once that I highly recommend you tape above your scale.
“This scale can only give you a numerical reflection of your relationship with gravity. That’s it. It cannot measure talent, purpose, character, possibility, strength, or love.” – Steve Maraboli
Ladies and gentlemen, it is time to live and let go! Your health and your attempt at self-improvement is so much more than a number. You are the sum of life experiences; life experiences that only you have endured. This makes you unique, and that’s a good thing! Taking care of yourself is just that – self-care. This includes nourishing your body because it feels good…participating in physical activities that help to relieve stress, surrounding yourself with good people, and laughing your tail off. Notice how I didn’t say starving or depriving yourself, punishing yourself with extreme exercise, and/or creeping on the Instagram accounts of people you wish you look liked? Self-care is self-love; positive, sustainable actions you take to improve your health and happiness.
Some of you reading this may be thinking, “But I have a lot of weight to lose, and weighing myself helps track my progress.” This is true. And finding your balance between setting goals and setting yourself up for failure is critical! Only you will know where that balance lies. But I challenge you to start with the basics and focus on variables other than weight. Today you are able to run with your children without breathing heavily. Today you noticed that your skin is more vibrant, due to staying well hydrated. Today you woke up (lively) before your alarm went off. Today you had the energy to come home after work and cook a delicious new recipe for your family. Take note of the wins outside of the scale! These life-improving variables are what matter the most!
Today I challenge you to ditch the scale and list 3 health goals outside of your weight. Write them on a Post-it note and put them on your bathroom mirror. The next time you are tempted to measure your success by a number, remember what your real goals are – self-love and quality of life.
Nicole is the Head Registered Dietitian at The Dolce Diet. She believes that long-term health is achieved through an individualized approach to nutrition that is not only evidence-based, but also sustainable and enjoyable. Serving both our private clients and professional athletes, Nicole aims to empower individuals with confidence and education, fully equipping them to reach and maintain their health goals.
