Measuring success (and NSVs)

Someone in a Facebook weight-loss surgery support group asked if she was the only one not worried about losing weight quickly. I replied, "I want to be healthy. I'm working on creating healthy, sustainable habits — so I'm not concerned with how quickly or how slowly the weight drops. I'm concerned with how I feel and what I'm able to do now. My scale was up 4 ounces this morning, but this day is a success because I just ran a whole lap for the first time since high school (I'm 41). THAT matters way more to me than 4 ounces on the scale."

I see so many people in my support groups who are worried about the scale and focus on it exclusively. "Don't give the scale power over you. You're worth more than that," I told someone yesterday. 

If I measured my success by my scale, I'd feel like a failure today. Instead, I choose to measure my success by things I can control (what I eat and whether I exercise); by how I feel physically (energized) and mentally (confident, happy); by what I can do (I just ran a lap! I just ran for 3 minutes 23 seconds straight!); and by non-scale victories (NSVs). 

Some recent NSVs:
* Monday evening, my husband said I look "professional" riding my bike now. We've been riding the past few weeks, and I've gone from feeling very shaky to steady. And my legs are getting used to the work. 
* A pair of pants and a skirt that I bought to shrink into now fit. The skirt is super exciting because it's an XL — I fit in a bottom that isn't plus size! (I started in a 3X.)
* My favorite ring from college almost fits.
* Yesterday evening, we went for a walk with the dogs, and I suggested we walk UP the biggest hill in the neighborhood. I didn't need a break this time, and I kept a steadier pace than last time.