Filters

Weight loss

Why embracing failure helps you succeed at weight loss

clinician image
Molly Morgan, RD Lead Dietitian
Registered Dietitian specialising in adult weight management
iconLast updated 7th of May 2024
cartoon drawing fail

In order to be successful at losing weight, you need to embrace failure. Yes, you read that correctly! Many of us are taught from a young age that failure is bad and should be avoided at all costs, when actually this couldn’t be further from the truth.

In this article, we’ll look at a key mindset that can help you redefine how you view failure. We’ll also examine how embracing each inevitable setback can help you lose weight – and keep it off for good!

The Church of Fail Mindset

The Church of Fail mindset is the belief that failure is a necessary part of the weight-loss process. It’s not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced and learned from. Choose to let your setbacks defeat you and you’ll likely find yourself struggling for years, but choose to see failure as an opportunity to grow and adapt and you will be much more likely to succeed in your weight-loss journey!

This approach has been backed up by a clinical study which analysed the behaviour of 6000 people who achieved and maintained significant weight loss. It found that perseverance in the face of setbacks was key to the participants’ success.

The Gibbs Reflective Cycle

There are many different frameworks which can help you make sense of things when they don’t go to plan, and the Gibbs Reflective Cycle is one of my favourites. This six-stage process helps you to reflect on an experience and identify what went well, what could have been improved, and what you would do differently next time. It can be applied to any weight-loss challenge or failure that you face.

reflective cycle

Here’s how to use the Gibbs Reflective Cycle:

Stage 1: Description

Describe the weight-loss challenge or failure that you experienced. It’s important to be as honest and specific as possible in your description.

Stage 2: Feelings

Explore the emotions and thoughts that you experienced during and after the setback.

Stage 3: Evaluation

Evaluate what went well and what could have been improved – an important step in adapting from failure.

Stage 4: Analysis

Analyse the situation and identify the underlying causes. This is a key step in preventing future setbacks.

Stage 5: Conclusion

Focus on what you’ve learned. Think about all the alternative actions that you could have taken instead.

Stage 6: Action plan

It is very likely that you will find yourself in a similar situation again at some point in the future. To avoid repeating the mistake, come up with an action plan that outlines how you’ll act differently to give you the best chance of achieving a successful outcome.

Take action⚡

Over the next week apply the Gibbs Reflective Cycle to every situation that didn’t go to plan. Ask yourself:

  • What happened?
  • How did you feel?
  • What went well and what didn’t?
  • Why did it happen?
  • What could you have done differently?
  • What’s your plan next time this happens?

If you learn to embrace failure and view it as an opportunity to grow, you’ll be much more likely to achieve your weight-loss goals. So, the next time you face a weight-loss challenge or failure, remember the Church of Fail mindset and use it to your advantage! You may just be surprised at how successful you can be.

References
icon¹

Phelan, S, Roake, J, Alarcon, N, et al. In their own words: Topic analysis of the motivations and strategies of over 6,000 long-term weight-loss maintainers. Obesity (Silver Spring)scribble-underline. 2022; 30: 751– 761.

While we've ensured that everything you read on the Health Centre is medically reviewed and approved, information presented here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.

We use cookies to analyse data and personalise your visit, learn more in our privacy policy