[Original Article at AmBari Nutrition]

Losing weight can be a powerful first step in improving your quality of life, but it isn’t the only part of the journey. Shedding pounds and inching closer to your goal weight can make you feel like you can conquer any challenge.

So why not tap into this newfound empowerment and use it to transform other areas of your life?
Personal Growth after Bariatric Surgery

Personal growth is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Take a moment to reflect on your goals, then consider the following six ways to help yourself reach the next level of your journey:



#1 - Forgive Yourself
Maybe you’ve been beating yourself up over gaining weight, or not doing enough to lose the weight until it became medically necessary. Whatever mistakes you’ve made, you can only move forward if you forgive yourself.

Everyone wishes they’d done something differently. Embrace your mistakes, accept them, then make the choice to learn from them so you can enjoy your future.



#2 - Meet New People
It can be hard to find new people you can trust, but think about the people you’ve met in the past that have enriched your life. At one point, you didn’t know these people, but now you can’t imagine your life without them.

No one is an island. Everyone needs a circle of friends and family for support, insight, advice, or simply to enjoy life with. Make it a priority to meet new people that will add positivity to your life.



#3 - Accept Responsibility
Taking responsibility is one of the hardest parts of growth because it requires you to admit you’re wrong. But knowing you’ve done wrong and taking ownership of your actions can be a humbling experience and help you avoid making the same mistakes again.



#4 - Try New Things
Growth is all about new experiences. If you continue doing the same things you’ve always done, you’re maintaining your life rather than growing it.

Granted, new territory can be scary. Start small by trying a new healthy food, watching a new movie, or going hiking somewhere you’ve never been. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider traveling somewhere you’ve never been or crossing off a bucket list item. The world has much to offer, so take advantage of it while you can.



#5 - Continue to Set New Goals
Setting goals means always have something to reach for. People with a growth mindset continue to set new yet achievable goals that will help them strive to be the best version of themselves.



#6 - Make Time for Self Reflection
You matter. If you want to get the most from your journey, make time for yourself by reflecting on your life and where you want to take it next. Self-reflection can be as simple as a few minutes at bedtime or an hour’s trip into the woods. Focusing on yourself should remind you why you’re working so hard to build a better life in the first place.



For more insights on living your best life, head back to our blog.