Posted by u/runningfrommyproblems·24 days ago

How do you stay motivated for progress photos over 18 months?

TL;DR: I've been documenting my progress with monthly photos for 18 months, and I'm feeling mixed emotions about the slow changes. How do you stay motivated during this process?

For the past 18 months, I've been capturing a monthly grid of progress photos, and I can't help but feel a mix of pride and frustration when I look at them. As a marathon runner, the physical changes can be subtle, but my emotional journey has been profound. I started this project to hold myself accountable, but I've found it so much more than just tracking my body.

In the beginning, I felt the excitement of seeing my muscles tone up, my endurance increase, and my overall health improve. After completing my first marathon, I was elated, yet there were moments when the changes felt so small. I had days where I felt like I was running in place, both physically and mentally. It was tough to not see a drastic transformation every month, especially with my emotional attachment to my running journey.

Each grid I created tells a story. From the shaky start as I tackled my first long runs to the satisfaction of hitting new personal records, it has all been documented. Sometimes, I scroll back and see how my face lights up in the earlier photos, then compare it to the later ones where I look more focused, even a bit tired, but incredibly fulfilled.

It can be hard to stay motivated when progress is slow or feels invisible. I've found that sharing my journey with others has been a huge help, especially hearing their stories in return. I would love to hear from others. How do you stay motivated to take and share progress photos, especially when the changes aren't as dramatic as you hoped?

5 comments

Comments

u/runningfrommyproblems·24 days ago

I get where you're coming from. Progress photos can feel underwhelming at times, especially when the changes aren't drastic. I've been running for a while too, and it can be so frustrating to feel like you're putting in the work but not seeing the physical results you hope for. I started taking monthly photos as a way to track my journey, but I often found myself looking back at earlier ones feeling that spark again. It's the emotional growth that matters, not just the physical changes.

u/mom_of_muscle·24 days ago

100! It's super tough to keep the motivation going when you don't see huge transformations. As a busy mom, I understand how hard it can be to juggle everything. I remember one month where I barely had time to work out, and my progress photos reflected that. But I realized that every little bit counts. Just keep reminding yourself that even the smallest progress is still progress. Celebrate those tiny victories!

u/tired_and_toned·20 days ago

This is such a relatable struggle! I remember when I first started my fitness journey. I'd take photos and just not see any difference, which was frustrating. But then I realized that it's not just about the photos, it's about how I feel and the energy I gain from working out. Sometimes you need to step back and appreciate the emotional benefits. You're not just a body, you're a whole person growing in so many ways.

u/keto_kingpin·19 days ago

You said it! i've been lifting for a few years, and honestly, progress photos can be misleading. Sometimes it's about how you feel rather than how you look. People often focus too much on visual changes, but strength gains and endurance improvements are just as important. I hit a PR last month, and my photo didn't show a noticeable difference, but I felt like a beast!

u/glutenfree_gains·24 days ago

Yep, i've been tracking my progress with photos for a while, and it's wild how it reflects my journey. When I went gluten-free, my body transformed in ways I didn't expect. At first, I felt discouraged because I thought I'd see big changes right away, but it's more about how I feel and my overall health. Keep that mindset, and don't let the lack of visible changes get you down. You're doing great!