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This Is What Finally Made A Difference:
My 100-pound weight loss has been a defining moment in my life—truly a moment I never thought was possible for me. For many years, I stared at my reflection, wishing to see someone else. Back then, it wasn’t about being thin or fit; I simply dreamed of feeling comfortable in my own skin. Over time, and after countless weight loss lessons, I achieved a natural weight loss of over 100 pounds, transforming from a size 20 to a size 4 at my smallest. This wasn’t just a physical change; it was an incredible personal victory. It hit me how unusual my transformation was (to lose so much weight without dieting and restricting), and it got me thinking deeply about what made this time different from all my previous weight loss attempts and from what others seemed to experience.
After much reflection and numerous conversations, I pinpointed the critical difference: it was my mindset.
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Mindset Before My Weight Loss
Life before my weight loss felt like a series of events happening around me. As a new mom to twins, with a husband who was always working, with familial challenges, and moving to a new city, I felt lost. My default thought was that life was just happening to me. I played no part in my misery—or so I believed. This mindset led me to constantly seek comfort in food, avoiding the deeper issues going on in my life. I saw others, seemingly perfect on social media, and assumed that they had some magical willpower or really good genetics. I’ve since learned that’s rarely the case.
Was there something special about those people on social media who were succeeding in weight loss? No, not really. However, there was something different. And that was their mindset.
The Power Of Shifting Your Mindset
Changing your mindset is no small feat; it requires consistent and dedicated effort. But it’s possible for anyone. Because it will transform your weight loss journey. Yes, even my significant weight loss boiled down largely to a shift in mindset. Without those mindset shifts, the habits I formed wouldn’t have stuck and lasted for years.
The first major mindset shift was to stop seeing life as something that was happening to me. I began to take ownership of my feelings and actions, acknowledging that while some situations were beyond my control, many weren’t. This realization was liberating!
Embracing Personal Development
My journey into personal development started with books like “Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life“, “It Didn’t Start With You“, and “The Perfection Detox“. These books, along with practices like meditation and yoga, transformed my view of my body and my life. Yoga showed me the strength of my body, even at my very heaviest, while meditation became a tool for reflection instead of reacting impulsively to life.
This newfound respect for my body was beyond transformative. There was this powerful moment when I looked in the mirror at my heaviest and in that moment decided to choose gratitude instead of criticism. That moment changed my life. I made a deep promise to myself to honor and respect my body, no matter its size—an act of self-love that truly ignited my weight loss journey.
Shortly after, I made the choice to do something for my body. I made the decision to try a 90-day home fitness program. For the first time ever, I truly put the focus on health and not on how my body looked. And that 90 days taught me more about myself than I could have ever imagined.
Committing To Health And Fitness
The real test came when I decided to try a home fitness program. Those initial 90 days were not just about losing weight but about learning and pushing my physical and mental boundaries. That program wasn’t just a workout routine; it was a stepping stone to bettering myself beyond the scale.
As my journey continued, I addressed emotional eating and cut out toxic relationships. I started journaling, meditative coloring, and walking, and continued to add regular exercise into my routine, choosing to no longer numb my emotions with food.
Setting New Goals And Crushing Them
By the time I was a size 12, I was more than satisfied with my weight loss, but my personal growth journey was just ramping up! I set a new challenge for myself: to run a 10 km race. From barely running 2 km to completing the 10km race, every single step was a testament to my growing mindset. That goal was less about weight loss and more about discovering what I was capable of achieving.
Continuing To Challenge Myself
My journey didn’t finish after that 10 km race. Feeling pumped from my success, I decided to up the ante and train for a half-marathon! The preparation for a half-marathon stretched me way beyond what I thought were my limits. Every long-distance run, every moment of sacrifice, every muscle ache—it was a huge test of both my body and mind. This challenge wasn’t only physical; it was an extremely tough mental game, where persistence and pure grit played a major role.
Crossing the finish line of that half-marathon was a moment I will never forget. It wasn’t just about the physical achievement but realizing that I could push past all my mental blocks as well. That personal victory showed me I could achieve way more than I had ever allowed myself to imagine.
Keeping My Weight Loss Journey Moving Forward
I didn’t slow down. Instead, I dove back into home fitness programs, each one pushing me a little more than the last. I switched things up, trying different types of workouts—strength training, PiYo, dance fitness, shadow boxing—you name it. Every new routine was a chance to learn more about what my body could handle and how far I could push myself.
It wasn’t just about keeping fit; it was about constantly expanding myself and my abilities. Each new workout didn’t just up my physical fitness; it also built me up mentally, helping me build resilience that spilled over into everything I did.
Weight Loss Transformation
Over those years, I didn’t just lose weight—I became a whole new person. My weight loss journey has been gradual, consistent, and driven by powerful mindsets that taught me to value and love my body at every stage.
Achieving and maintaining significant natural weight loss truly begins in the mind. Personal development isn’t just part of the weight loss journey; it’s at its very core. Because, at the end of the day, large weight loss is an inside job.
I hope my journey inspires you to look beyond the scale, and to see weight loss as not just a physical transformation but as a holistic journey that begins with a powerful shift in mindset. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just striving to improve your life, remember: transformation starts with mindset. Embrace your weight loss journey, and let your mindset lead the way to a healthier, happier you!
Read More: 10 Powerful Habits That Helped Me Lose 100 Pounds
- Starting A NEW Fitness Journey At Nearly 40 Years Old! - 06/09/2024
- 30-Day Walking Challenge For Beginners - 12/05/2024
- 3 Simple Things That Healthy People Who DON’T Diet Do Differently - 10/05/2024
I read your post and acrua started crying, i think you were writing my story to the T, everything you wrote is my situation and how ive akways said, im a good persin why do these things keep happ to me. I dont look in the mirror much because i hate the person looking back at me…im praying after reading your journey i can try to do as you have done. Congratulations and whisper a prayer for me, that i can turn my life around ♥️
Thank you so much for your lovely comment, it means so much to me. Girl, you are a good person, and you deserve whatever it is you want in this world. You are worthy, so it’s time to reach out and take what you want. You can do this, I believe in you!
Hi shannon where do I sign up to get your 25 day guild? I really need some motivation to get me to loose weight and my mind set at the moment is not great, I really want to loose weight but cant seem to get myself to start
sent you the 25-day challenge in an email!
will you please send me the challenge as well?
I sent you the challenge! 🙂
I like the email on the challenge also. Thanks
I’ve sent you a copy! Thanks for reading!
Can you please send me the 25 day challenge? This post was exactly what I needed today. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for reading, Mallory! I will send you the challenge 🙂
Can You send me the CHALLENGE also ? ThaNks
I’ve sent you the challenge!
Hi shannon-loved READING about your weight loss joUrney and MINDSET change. I would love to RECEIVE your 25 day journal CHALLENGE. Thank you for sharing your challenges.
I’ve emailed you the challenge!
Hi! Came acrossed your post and it is exactly what I needed to read. Thank you so much for writing this. Can you please send me the challenge? I would absolutely love to have it.
Hi there! I’ve sent you the challenge!
I would LoVe it too please!
Please email me your challenge
I’ve sent you an email!
I would love to sign up for the free 25 day challenge, too!
Please send…loved your message!
May i please have a copy of the challenge as well? Thank you so much ❤
I’D love a copy of the challenge!
Hi! Can you please send me the challenge as well?
sent!!
Thank you for having the courage to share your journey. I would love a copy of your 25 day challenge as well
Hi, i love your post!! Is there anYway i can get a copy of your 25 day challenge? Thanks for helping others who feel lost
Thank you so much for reading!! I’ve sent off a copy of the challenge to you 🙂
Would love to be sent the 25 day challenge.
I’ve sent you the challenge!
Please send your challenge. Thank you.
sent you the challenge!
Can you send me your 25 day challenge. Sounds so helpful & what I need right now.
I would love it too! Please send!
Please send me the 25 day challenge, my father passed and i have gained 30 plus pounds. I feel lost and empty, just trying to get back on track.
I would love more info
Hi Jessica! I’ll send you an email 🙂
Your story hit a nerve with me..Was a size 4…now a 20.
Could you please email me the 25 day challenge..Thank you
May I also be emailed the 25 day challenge plz
Me encantaría recibir el reto de 25 días, suena fabuloso y necesito hacer ese cambio por mi , por salud y por mi familia
Thanks for reading! I’ve sent you the challenge!
Can you please send me the plan. Thank you
I’ve sent you the challenge!
Can you pl send me the chall th you
challenge sent!
Please send me the challenge thanks
That was a WONDERFUL journey.could you plz send me the 25day challenge.thankyou
I whispered a prayer for you, Janet. I’m in the same bOat and desire better for myself. Thank you, Shannon, for sharing your story and giving encouragement to me. I know it can be done. It’s time that I make the effort and change my mindset! Whisper a prayer for me, too, Janet. 🙂
You can do it, Lisa! Changing your mindset will change your entire life.
I want to learn a GOOD mindset. And how to mindfully Eat.
This ARTICLE spoke to me In ways I dont even understand. I too bore twins, Husband always away, moved toxic relationships and addiction in the fam. WT….? So here i am on the toulet🤣. Ready to begin my day with total engaging mindset. I feEl i am halfway there. But this is going to throw me to the Beginning of a very Personal SUCCESSFUL Minset makover. I appriciate you so much. Thank youS Starting at 20.
Thank you so much for reading! It makes me so happy to hear that people connect to my story. You can do it, girl! Best wishes on your journey <3
Love your post. I’ve had gastric sleeve in 2018 but I DIDN’T reach my goal. I eat to feel better, but know I wont feel better afterwards. I get on rolls that watch what I eat, I journal my food, and I try to exercise, but something always happens that I allow to sabotage my journey. I need to have a better mindset where I can get back to telling myself, I’m the only one that can control me, control my weight loss, control my mind. Thank you for making me rethink journey and how much the mind plays in this roll and new lifestyle.
Changing your mindset completely changes EVERYTHING. Approaching my journey from a loving mindset, and from a place of wanting to be my best self is what made all the difference.
Please send the challenge. Thank you.
would love learn more please and challenge
I’ve sent you the challenge!
Thank you very MUCH SHANNON for sharing your journey with US.
Your story definitely resonates with me and the multiple struggles I have encountered throughout my own journey. It is a blessing to know that I am not alone and that I am fully capable of accomplishing whatever I set my mind and body to.
Please remember me also in your prayers. I will be restarting “TODAY.”
Thank you, thank you.
Thank you so much for reading! Girl, you are definitely not alone, and trust me, if I can do it, so can you! Sending you so many positive vibes and prayers. Best wishes for your journey 🙂
Thank you shannon for your inspirationAl story. I BeliEve Very much in what you say and think self love is very healing for our bodies.
To all of You ladIes who want to make a change, i Know You caN do it. I had given up on ever being thin aGaIn, but in january of this year i decided to give it a shot after Some negative health tests at the doctoRs. I started fitness programs like shannon and started eating healthy, whOle foods, with an empHasis on vegetables. In just shy of 6 months I am down from a 12/14 to a 6 pants siZe. The change for me came in belieVing i wanted to make a change in my life for my health and not looking at it as a diet. I’m in the middle of my thirD 60-Day fitness program and I love the way i feel more everYday. You got this ladies, and you will love it.
Would love the 25 day challenge.
Interested please
Wow! Thank you for your brutal honesty with yourself. I need to be honest with myself. I screen shotted this and will read it daily for inspiration. I am a size 20. Once upon a time a 14. I Can do this. Thank you for giving me hope.
Hi Angela! Thank you so much for reading 🙂 Know that you can absolutely achieve your health goals! Start today, make a true promise to yourself to just keep moving forward, and never look back. Tell yourself that there is no Plan B only Plan A. And always have hope, I believe in you!
I Would love to siGn up for the 25 day challenge. I always know that i haD to go deep intO myself to chane, but never had the courage to even wwnt to sTart. Thank you
Hi Jennifer! I emailed you the challenge!
Hi,
Could you send me the 25 day challange info.
thank you.
Hi Angie! I will send you off a copy of the challenge!
Hi can you please send me the 25 day challenge? This really helped me motivate myself and love myself more. Keep doing what you’re doing! Thanks.
I’ve sent the challenge off to you!
Please send me the CHALLENGE! Great read
Great story. I hope to be like you one day.
Please send the information
Thx for your help
Ive tried EVERY thing except a new mindset! Maybe this is what ive been missing! Will you please send me your guide! Congratulations and finding yourselF!!
Would LOVE to receive tour CHALLENGE. I HAVE STRUGGLED FOR MANY YEARS
May I get a cooy of the 25 day challenge? Thank you!
Your story is truly inspirational and similar to what I’m going through. I’ve struggled with loving MY body. I was a size 24 a year and a half ago. Now I’m a 10/12. My goal is to reach a size 6. I’ve had 3 kids and have thought having a flat stomach after 2 C-SECtions was impossible. After not seeing anymore weight loss for almost 4 months now, I have started yoga and meditation as well. My confidence and self-love are increasing daily. Thanks for your story. I have to work on my mindset a little more, but I won’t give up! Our bodies are capable of amazing things!
WOW! Congrats on your weight loss so far! I’m so happy to hear that your self-love is increasing, I truly believe it is what makes a successful and lasting health and fitness journey. You can do this, I believe in you!
I would like your 25 day food challenge, please.
I CAme upon Your story quite by accident and had to know more. I am 66 yrs old, have never liked my body and need/want to lose about 45 pounds. My biggest “problem” is that I am in a wheelchair after having list My right leg, above the knee, to cancer 14 years ago. Sitting in the chair I feel that I look like a BLOB! exercise for me is getting out in the yard and tending to it. My biggest workout is when I go to Costco to stock up. There have been times a few years ago where I would be pushing a cart that had over 100 pounds of dog food and kitty litter in it, in addition to the everyday cases of water, etc. CONGRATULATIONS on how far you have come and the enlightening of your MINDSet, how that played such an integral key to your journey. Thank you, for sharing your journey with anyone who is searching for the best that they can be.
Thank you so much for reading and for your kind words 🙂 Yardwork is excellent exercise! I would also recommend looking into plastic resistance bands for arm and upper body exercises, they are fantastic for an upper-body workout without using weights. Best wishes for your health journey!
I have been struggling for years! I would love to see this 25 day starter program! thank you for sharing your story and tips, I really relate to you and everything you went through! proud of you!
I’ve sent you an email with the challenge!
hey I just wanted to say that is incredible Im aa freshman in highschool and im stugling with weight loss and reading your story is truly inspiring.
thank you so much for reading <3
Wow i loved yOur story! I’M just starting my WEIGHT-LOSS journey this year but didn’t have a clue where to Start… i might follow what you did and sEe if that works for me. I don’t think i’ll ever be a size 4 but my GoaL is also to lose 100lbs so we’ll see!
Could You send me the 25 day challenge please
Hi Shannon. Thank you for your story. I Havent had the mindset to love my body where i am at the Size 20. I APPRECIATED that You started with the meDitation and yoga. It give me a place to start and then to give the books and podcast to LISTEN to. Thank you. I would like a copy of your 25 day cHallage but dont see where to get it. Thank you for posting.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope it helps you with your forever health journey 🙂 I will send you a copy of the 25-day challenge, check your junk mail just in case!
Scared to ask for the CHALLENGE, because It means i’ll have to deal with stuff. But here i am, asking anyway. Thanks for sharing your success with us.
So my four Year old just asked why i was so fat and asked if she can have a new mommy with no fat. That being said, can you send me the cHallEnge as well please.
Would love to check out the challenge
I woUld like to sign up for your Newsletter and Look into your challenge, please.
Thanks so much for reading! I’ve sent you the challenge 🙂
Please send me the challenge!
Challenge sent to your email!
Thanks for your story. I’d love tO do your chAllenge!
Hi Kate! I sent the journal challenge to your email!
I would like to sign up for your neWsletter! Thank you!
I’ve signed you up! 🙂
I’d love A copy of the journal pLease!
Hi there. I stumbled across this article and it hit me at the exact time I needed it most. I’m 50 in May, am about 200 lbs at 5’4″. I’ve been depressed a long TIME and am seeking help. But I’m ready to get healthy and fit in all ways. Could I please get the challenge as well? Thx so much for a great, motivational story.
Hi Amanda! Thank you so much for reading 🙂 I’ve sent you an email with the journal challenge!
MY heavens Shannon, what an insPiration! I truly believe our bodies can do amazing Things…my body, along with very skilled doctors, my faith and my family Brought me through stage 3C colorectal cancer a year ago. I’m so grateful for what my body has endured and have a respect for what it’s done. although i seem to get caught up on somethinG each time i try to get back to exercising consistently. After reading your story I feel it must be my mindset. Would you kindly email me your plan? God Bless!
thank you, Shawn, for reading! Yes, our bodies are amazing! It sounds like you have been on quite the journey. I will absolutely send you the journal challenge and template 🙂 Best wishes for your continued health journey!
Please send me the challenge!
I’ve sent you the challenge 🙂
Can i please get a copy if yiur chaLlenge? Need help Getting motivated!
I’ve sent you the challenge! I hope you find it helpful 🙂
Can younplease send me a copyof your challenge
Could you please send me a copy of the challenge. Thank you!
I was diagnosed with epilepsy six years ago. I went from being a 33 year old nurse who Loved hElping others To a person who is total dependent on everyone else. (As a result oF the type of seizures i am not allowed out of the house without a chaperone.) i Lived a very active and healthy life. I was a size 8. Due to this new seizure LIfestyle and all of the medications, i am now a size 20. It has been a struggle dealing with All of this. After Reading your narrative it helped to give me a new perspective OF my life and Some guidAnce on possible things i can do to try and bring myself out of this rut i’m in.
Will you please send me a copy of your challenge so i Will have a Place to start on the journey of Accepting my Body and life? Thank you!
Thank you so much for reading Claire, I’ve sent you an email!
COULD you please send me the email As well??? Emotional eating is my CURE for everything. Thank you!!
Hello! I Loved your post. Is there anywaY you could please send me the 25 day CHALLENGE as well?
ThanKs!!
I’ve sent the challenge your way!
Thank you so much for sharing! I never thought of the mindset on giving birth to my girls and how strong i was doing that, until i read what you wrote. I have been struggling with the motivation to workout and never thought about MEDITATION. If it is not a problem Can i please get a copy of the 25 day challenge too?
Thank you
desperately needed to read this.
so thankful for your inspiring words and journey, and hopeful for my own.
i’d love the 25 day guide as well.
thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and progress!
Thank you for reading! I’ve sent you the journal challenge!
I Can relate to what you went Threw. I am going threw it now and its hard. I have no motivation. It sucks. I would love to tey the 25 day challenge.
You can do it! I believe in you! I’ve sent the challenge you way 🙂
Where Can i get the challenge?
Id like a copy of the CHALLENGE as well…
I’ve sent you the challenge!
Cluld you send me the 25 day challenge?
Thank you for your MOTIVATION. I Never reSpond or ask of any of them. Your story spoke to me. Could you please send me a copy of the 25 day challenge. I am not who i want to be.
I’ve sent you an email!
Please send me the CHALLENGE. Kindest regards
Sent the challenge your way!
CAn i join your 25 day challenge?
Looking forward to it doing it!!
Sent the challenge your way!
Hello, please may I have a copy of your 25-day challenge? Also, what 90-day program did you use that jump-started your journey?
I sent you an email!
I would love to get the 25 day CHALLENGE to plEase!
thanks for reading Samantha! I sent you the challenge!
Great post! Please send to me the 25 day challenge.
Live your Blog, are you still offering guidance ?
Hi Theresa! Thank you! Yes, I offer coaching services 🙂 You can check out my coaching website http://www.shannonelizabethclay.com or feel free to email me directly!
Can you please send me the 25 day challenge and sign me up for the newsletter?
Can i get the plan also:)
Can i get the 25 day CHALLENGE?
Would like a copy of the challenge please. Thank you!
CAN I GET THE CHALLENGE?
I would like the challenge please! 🙂
Hi shannoN! You are such an inspIration! I would love to have the 25 day challenge. Will you please send it to me?
I just Cane acroSs your post, i live this! Can you plsase send me your challenge? Thanks
challenge sent!
Can you please send me a copy of your CHALLENGE?
Please send me the challenge & sign me up for your newsletter. Thank you
Your story is very INSPIRATIONAL i would lIke a copy of the challenGe. Thank you
Your jou is Very An INSPIRATION!! I would love to see yoUr 25 day CHALLENGE and Try it. Could you please seNd me a copy?
Can you please send to me also!
Please send me the CHALLENGE
Hi, I just came across and read your post. Cld you please send me the 25 day challenge? Thanks!
Alisa
Challenge sent!
Could i get the challenge? im ready to start this journey!!!
HI, can you please send me a copy of the cHaLlenge? Thanks!
Hi would you please be able to send me the link to the chaLlenge
Please send me a copy of the challEnge also.
I would love the 25day CHALLENGE
Would you please send me the 25 day challenge. I could also use some help.
I would love to also do the challenge. I gained 80 pounds and am at the heaviest i have ever been. I have tried to go to the gym daily and just feel so unmotivated after the first week. Thank you for your encouragment!
would love your guide also..
i have been trying to get myself in the mindset to lose weight. i can do good for a day or two but then i think who cares? i live alone and it is very hard to stay motivated but, i read your story and realized i have to care or no one else will. thank you. also, will you please send me the challenge.
Please send me the info
Would love the 25 day CHALLENGE as well please, I happened to stumble across your blog and I dont think its on accident. Really looking for a LIFESTYLE change, cant wait to listen to your podcast 🙂
Would love a copy of your CHALLENGE
Thank you! 🙂
Can i please have a copy of your challenge?