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How to Deal with “Compliance Fatigue”
Yes, I strive to eat right and to exercise—every day. And my long-range plan is to stay quite healthy and
active as I age. All this is true AND I definitely need a break from living right—right now!
Since 2016, I have been eating right and exercising, striving to lose and then to maintain my weight.
That’s six years of cheerfully hopping on the scale every morning, mindfully munching my fruits and
vegetables, and willingly working out with Elliot, my chubby-funny YMCA strength-building guru who can
be found on YouTube. Which leads me to a pressing question: Can I please have a break?
What is it about vigilance? Why do I just feel fatigued as I consider the number on the scale this morning
(which I didn’t like)? I think I get it: Eating right and exercising fall right into place quite nicely when all of
the “metrics” are cooperating. The moment the scale starts shifting upward, motivation goes right out
the window. This is a phenomenon I have seen with other people, and now it’s manifesting in my own
life: “I don’t want to.”
Knowing that “compliance fatigue” is a “thing” is actually helpful. Motivation runs out once you punch a
whole in it with bad news. What to do? Well, today, I will load my plate with lovely fruits and vegetables,
take a long walk, and let the motivation kick in when it will.
Stop Losing and Win 