August 28 Weekly Technique

There are tons of ways to measure progress and success-and it starts with imagining how you'd celebrate those wins if the scale didn't exist.

Now that you have your list, think about what those wins really mean.

Recognize the impact of each one. Maybe cooking more means you enjoy healthier, fresher meals. Or fitting into your favorite clothes makes getting dressed feel easier.

Zoom out to see the big picture. How do you feel reflecting on (and celebrating!) these types of wins? How is it different from when you focus only on the scale?

Sure, it feels amazing to see a lower number on the scale each week (or, if you've already met your goal, to maintain the same-ish number). But scale changes are far from a sure thing-and they're only one measure of progress. Plenty of factors may slow your weight-loss roll, stop you in your tracks, or send you sliding in reverse. Plateaus and setbacks are often part of the ride.

Here's the thing, though: Just like your "why" probably goes beyond weight loss, so do your wins. And we mean all wins-from eating veggies at almost every meal to more abstract victories, like realizing you've got Energizer Bunny stamina and feeling so confident. The scale can't measure any of that.

Research shows that for many WW members, reflecting on non-scale victories helps them lose weight and keep it off. So expand your definition of success and make a plan for how you'll keep popping the proverbial Champagne. Maybe it's before you weigh yourself or while you write in your journal. Regardless, the more you do it, the more it-and success­may come naturally.