Does it help if you have a role model?

[crisp]

Do you think it's possible that loosing weight and dieting may be easier if you have a role model, such as a friend, a member of the family or even a celebrity?
Many people these days see someone on TV or anywhere else and want to look like them. Are you in the same situation? Does this keep you motivated?

[Fatguy]

I don’t think so because I can get motivated by just feeling that I’m really good at what I do. I like the fact that I can depend on myself and not depend on some other guy because I’m scared that they will just let me down.

[Tuomas]

Yeah, I agree with Fatguy. I don't need a role model. I just see myself as I want to be and struggle to get there. Achieving all these small goals and starting a new way of living was a great thing. I have some other friends who have the same problem as I have and now are starting on a diet and exercise. They told me I am kind of a role model to them. It's nice to inspire people like this ;)

[serena]

Oh yes, definitely. But I think it depends on your personality. I get inspired by other people doing great things in general, not just dieting. It's just encouraging to see that someone has succeeded and it makes me think that I can do it too.

[Soontobebuff]

Not exactly as a role model, but whenever I see some obese people who is trying their best exercising to be fit. I get inspired because I’m thinking if they can do it, then so can I. If you go to a gym, you will get to see a lot of these and thus will motivate you to frequent the gym.

[Johnny]

I do know some more people in my exact position and some have already made nice progress. They started being my role models the moment they chose to enroll in this life changing program. Seeing them do so well gives me hope that I can make it too.

[dolly]

Seeing someone close to you succeed gives you the strength to work more on achieving your goal. My mother has the same weight problem as I do and for many years she has tried to lose the weight. She is now thinner than before and this made me realize I can do it too. She is my role model.

[Autumn]

I think role models are useful to be inspired to loose weight, but for me I need an inner force within me to be at work to get me going to the journey to lose weight.:)

[kelly_cheek]

I watched some old Oprah shows a week ago. There were people that lost an incredible amount of weight. I just could't believe it. It was a before/after thing, you know, when they start with a story and a slideshow and after that the curtains are lifted... Amazing! It made me think that I can do the same thing.

[Bloto]

Role models , when I was little I had a role model but with time...I tried not to identify with that model , to try to do something for me , not to be motivated just looking at that model.

[Justontime]

I can see what you mean, but I don't think I really want a role model because I am the sort of person who likes to do things on their own. I don't really want to be like anyone else, I want to be who I am, but a bit thinner.

[tiny82]

I don't have a role model, but I think it helps. Role models set a good example on how to successfully navigate life’s conflicts, problems and negative messages, a real "happy end" story. Someone with a role model is more likely to be inspired and driven to achieve her/his goals than someone who doesn't. It opens your mind, it makes you thing big.

[flutemj]

I don't have a role model but I am always pleased to read about someone who has been successful because it shows that it is possible for us to achieve our goals. I really don't like the way the media are so cruel to celebrities who have put on weight, calling them names and taking unflattering photographs of them. I don't want to see things like that.

[billy]

I think it does. Seeing that someone else managed to do this on their own is really a greats source of inspiration. I really think this helps a lot in the 'process'.
The idea is that a role model keeps you going. If you are not sure you can do it.. then look for someone who managed to lose weight. It is a positive thought: "they did it.. why can't i?"