Non-Scale Victories Versus the Numbers on the Scale

We all know that one person who is obsessed with the number that flashes at them from the scale. Heck, we may be that person ourselves. It’s hard not to focus on the numbers, especially when we want them to head in a downward trajectory. We have to be careful though not to get so obsessive with the numbers that we do things in an unhealthy way - and we also don't want to let our lives slide by us.

What other victories?

I learned that if I focus solely on the numbers I read on the scale, I miss all the non-scale victories that I may experience in my weight loss journey. Non-scale victories (NSVs) can be anything. And everyone’s will be different. These are the goals we want to accomplish through our weight loss that have nothing to do with the numbers blinking at us from the scale.

My Personal NSVs

When I had my gastric sleeve done, my surgeon wanted me to come up with goals that had nothing to do with the numbers reflected on the scale. It took me quite a while to really figure out what I wanted to put on that list. Before being challenged to think about those goals, I had solely focused on my numerical goals. I knew how much weight I wanted to lose, and I knew what number I wanted to see on the scale. But NSVs? No clue.

Finally, I figured out what I wanted. I wanted to fit into a size 16 (I was a 28 at the time). I wanted to be able to sit in any chair and not worry about it breaking under me. I wanted to get on a ride at an amusement park and not have the fear of the safety not clicking in place. I wanted to be able to find clothes in any store, not just a specialty plus-sized store. I wanted to be able to shop at Victoria's Secret. I wanted to drive without my stomach touching the wheel. I wanted to fit into my bathtub. I wanted to wear a smaller sized ring. I wanted to be able to chase after my kids without running out of breath too quickly. I wanted to be able to be a good example for my kiddos.

Progress is more than numbers

Since having my sleeve done, I’ve been able to do all those and more. But I would’ve missed out on all these victories and small moments of celebration if I had remained solely focused on the numbers in front of my eyes.

Have I made it to my goal weight? Nope. Will I? Maybe. Does it concern me? Nope. I’ve managed to do all the things I set out to do and I’m happy with them. But if I hadn’t set those goals and had only stayed focused on the numbers, I would be miserable about my progress.

Living our best lives

Now it's your turn. If you haven’t already done so, I challenge you to make a list of goals that have nothing to do with the numbers on the scale for your weight loss journey. Challenge yourself and think really hard about what you’d like to see as you try to lose weight. It’s not about the numbers. It’s about how different our lives become. As you create NSVs and achieve them you may find a new sense of confidence.

Watching the numbers on the scale go down can be a glorious feeling and be something to be celebrated! But let's not to get so hung up on the numbers that life and it’s small victories pass us by! We want to lose weight in order to live a better life, so let's LIVE it!