The Three Levels of Weight Loss Journey: Want, Willing, and Committed
- jenniferhoyer77
- Jul 31, 2024
- 6 min read
There are three crucial levels everyone who wants to lose weight needs to understand: Want, Willing, and Committed.
These levels apply not only to your overall goals but also to specific aspects of your wellness journey, such as exercise, nutritious eating, and sleep. Understanding where you are and what it takes to progress to the next level can transform your entire approach to health.
Before we dive in, I want you to know that it's perfectly okay to be at any level. The key is being honest with yourself and understanding what it takes to move forward.
Level One: Want
Wanting is where you have a desire for change. You might dream of losing weight, getting fit, or achieving a specific goal like having a six-pack.
At this stage, the idea is appealing, but you might not have taken any concrete steps yet. It's more about wishful thinking.
For example, you might want to lose weight to fit into a certain dress or to look good for an upcoming event. You might be wanting to feel healthier, have more energy, or fit back into some of those old clothes.
This might also be the stage where your doctor has told you that you need to lose weight for better health or you received a diagnosis where weight loss would help.
You could also call this the pain stage, where there's some discomfort and pain that is making you want something different, something more. The current situation has become uncomfortable enough that you're thinking about change, but you haven't yet taken action.
Indicators you're in the Want stage:
You often think about your goals but haven't started any significant actions
You talk about wanting to change but haven't made concrete plans
You're waiting for the "right time" to start
The idea appeals to you, but the reality feels distant
Level Two: Willing
The willing stage is where you're ready to explore some solutions. You're looking into what it takes to achieve your goals. You're open to trying some new things and starting to make some changes.
In this stage, you might start doing research, maybe checking out some diets or exercise routines. You're exploring and maybe testing some approaches.
Here you might be willing to cut out some sugar or try out a new workout class. You're dipping your toes in the water, seeing what resonates with you.
Now the important part of this stage is that you're starting to either get some momentum, or you're starting to get frustrated and realize that the change may or may not be something you really want to take on.
This is often where people experience the yo-yo effect, moving back and forth trying to find something they'll want to commit to. We also might find ourselves here in a short-term mindset when we're not really ready to commit to a lifestyle change. And then of course, when we go back to our usual ways, the weight most likely comes back.
Indicators you're in the Willing stage:
You've taken some initial steps, like researching or trying new things, but haven't committed fully
You're experimenting with different approaches
You might have brief periods of success followed by returning to old patterns
You're learning what works and what doesn't for your body and lifestyle
Level Three: Committed
Commitment is the stage where you are fully dedicated to your goal. You've made a decision to follow through, no matter the challenges.
You create a plan, set specific goals, and take consistent action. Your motivation is high, and you're ready to overcome obstacles.
You might commit to a structured approach to eating, a consistent movement schedule, and regularly track your progress.
One of my favorite ways I've heard this explained is like this: If you're a parent with kids at home and you lost your job as the sole provider, knowing you need to provide food, shelter, and basic needs for your kids, what would you do? You'd figure it out. You'd do whatever it takes.
That's commitment. When you're willing to do anything to make it work.
Indicators you're in the Committed stage:
You have a clear plan and are consistently working toward your goals
Obstacles don't derail you; they're just problems to solve
You've integrated healthy habits into your lifestyle
Your identity has shifted to align with your health goals
Moving From Want to Willing
Several factors can push you from wanting to willing:
Increasing Desire
Sometimes increased desire or external motivation can move you forward. For instance, a health scare or a special event might increase your motivation. But I would ask: what is your why? If your why is full of fear, dread, or other disempowering emotions, that will need to change for lasting success.
Removing Roadblocks
Most roadblocks are mental. Identify what's holding you back. Is it fear of failure or lack of support? Are you worried about what others will think? Do you believe you're capable of change?
Address these mental barriers first. They're often the only things standing between wanting and willing.
Moving From Willing to Committed
Building Confidence
As you try different things and see small successes, your confidence grows, making it easier to commit. Each small win proves to you that change is possible, that you're capable.
This is why starting with small, achievable steps is so important. They build the confidence foundation you need for full commitment.
Finding Your Deeper Why
A strong, personal reason can fuel your commitment. Why do you want to lose weight?
How deep does your why go?
Surface reasons like "I want to look good" won't sustain you through challenges. But deeper reasons like "I want to be healthy and active for my grandchildren" or "I want to feel proud of how I care for myself" can carry you through difficult moments.
The Importance of Being Honest With Yourself
Accept Where You Are
It's important to accept where you are without judgment. Each level is a natural part of the journey.
Understand that being at the Want stage doesn't mean failure. It's a starting point. I honestly want six-pack abs, but I'm not willing to do what it takes to get there. And that's okay. Being honest about where I am means I'm not beating myself up for not having something I'm not truly committed to.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Change takes time and effort, and it's okay to progress at your own pace.
Avoid comparing your journey to others. Focus on your personal growth and achievements. Someone else might be at the Committed stage while you're at Willing, and that's perfectly fine. Your journey is your own.
Understanding the GPS Principle
In order for a GPS to get you where you want to be, it has to know where you are. The same applies to your wellness journey.
Get curious about where you are, but without the judgment. Honest assessment without self-criticism allows you to create an accurate plan for moving forward.
Why Committed Is Essential for Lasting Change
For sustainable weight loss, we need to be in the committed phase. Most of us in the willing phase might create some yo-yo effects, moving back and forth trying to find something we'll want to commit to.
The committed phase is where transformation happens because:
You've removed the option to quit when things get hard
Your identity aligns with your actions
You have systems in place to handle obstacles
You're focused on lifestyle, not just temporary changes
Your Next Step
Take some time this week to reflect on where you are in your journey. Are you at Want, Willing, or Committed?
If you're at Want, what would it take to move to Willing? If you're at Willing, what deeper why or confidence-building step would move you to Committed?
Remember, each level is a natural part of the journey. The key is being honest with yourself and taking intentional steps toward growth. There's no shame in any stage, only opportunities for progress.
Ready to understand your current stage and create a path forward? Listen to the full episode of Wellness Mastery with Jen Hoyer for more insights on moving from wanting to committing to lasting wellness transformation.
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