celebrate the non-scale victories

We don’t have a scale.

I don’t weigh myself, or my food. I don’t count calories. The only numbers and data I track are my miles and hours in the gym (and even then, I don’t count those hours consistently).

For one thing, numbers and I are not compatible. For the other, I don’t like when my focus gets too narrow. If I’m hung up on the numbers on the scale, then I tend to forget about all the awesome things I am accomplishing outside that scope.

I don’t know if I’m losing pounds or inches, but I do know that things have changed (for the better). So what are these non-scale victories?

Confidence.

Regardless of weight or jeans size, staying active and logging hours on the road or at the gym have given me confidence I’ve never had before. I stand taller, hold my head higher and tend to put myself out there a bit more. It’s empowering to be proud of yourself just for being you. More of us should be.

I Can Eat What I Want.

It’s true that you can’t outrun your fork, but if you’ve committed to a regular fitness regime, you generally don’t have to worry about it as much. We eat well at home (vegetables, fruits, lean proteins and the like), but when I want to indulge a foodie tendency or ice cream craving (because ice cream is my Kryptonite), it’s not too much of a concern.

A Heightened Sense of Adventure.

In the past, if someone suggested trying a new activity, I would absolutely be the first to say no. I would be so embarrassed by the idea of failing, making a fool of myself or just simply not being able to do whatever was suggested. I missed out on so much. Now, with my newfound confidence, I jump at the chance to try something new and out of the box. Bring on the hiking/rock climbing/zip lining/white water rafting/aerial yoga/whatever you have to throw at me. I’m game.

I’m Stronger.

Strong is where it’s at, and thanks to all the running and lifting, I’m stronger than I ever used to be. I can see it in the new muscles that have developed, in the weight of things I can lift, and I can feel it in my energy levels and in the things I can do. I love knowing that I can do hard things and that I’m “charged” for so much longer.

I Need A New Wardrobe.

This is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s fantastic to have clothes fit better or be too large. On the other, it can get pricey to have to purchase a new wardrobe. I have reached a point where none of my current clothes fit me, so it was off to the store. I had to make two trips to the fitting room because the first round of items I grabbed was still too big. Whoops. Even more cool is that due to this new confidence, I am more willing to try on things I wouldn’t ordinarily have in the past, and am finding lots of fun, new things.

Do you use a scale or other means to measure your fitness goals and results?

What non scale victories do you celebrate?