148. Why Your Scale Goal Is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss (And What to Do Instead)

Are you setting weight loss goals that are quietly working against you? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Oldson reveals why fixating on a number on the scale is one of the most common reasons people quit before they ever see real results, and she'll tell you what to do instead.Drawing on over a decade of experience as a weight loss physician, Dr. Oldson breaks down the psychology of goal-setting, including groundbreaking research from NYU psychologist Dr. Gabriele Oettingen, whose studies show that dreaming about your goal weight may actually make you less likely to reach it. She also shares a simple but powerful framework called WOOP (Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan), that you can use today to turn vague intentions into real behavioral change.In this episode, you'll learn:Why outcome-based goals (like a number on the scale) set you up for frustration and burnoutHow process-based goals lead to more weight loss, and why the research backs this upThe difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and why it matters for long-term successHow to use the WOOP method to build a goal with staying powerWhat your "Next Best Action" is, and how to identify yours todayWhether you've been chasing the same number on the scale for years, or you're just getting started on your weight loss journey, this episode will completely shift how you think about goals, and give you a practical, compassionate path forward to weight loss and better health. Thanks for listening! If you'd like more support during your SMART weight loss & health focused journey, sign up for our FREE newsletter, or check out our program at: www.SmartWeightLossCoaching.com. We would love to help you reach your happy weight, and transform the way you talk to yourself about your body and the number on the scale. Negative thoughts about yourself don't have to take up so much brain space, and we'd be honored to help you reframe those thoughts. Also…We’d be grateful if you'd follow us and share our podcast with your friends & family. We’re here to help you improve your health, live longer, healthier, and lose weight the SMART way! This episode was produced by The Podcast Teacher: www.ThePodcastTeacher.com.The Smart Weight Loss Coaching Podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.