Have you ever experienced a flow of sudden and unexpected motivation? The feeling that, starting Monday, you will get all of your ducks in order? But then, Monday comes, and that motivation is somehow nowhere to be found.
Well, while many people—including yours truly—keep waiting for Monday, others see no reason to wait and take matters into their own hands, bringing positive change into their lives. Today, we want to applaud the people who, instead of waiting for someone else to make them happy, do it themselves. On the list below, you will find pictures of women who did exactly that. So if you’re curious to see what changes they made to turn their lives around, scroll down to browse through their posts; and if you get a sudden flow of motivation, maybe don’t wait until Monday to act on it this time.
#1 I’m Free!!
1 Week Post Op And I Was Originally A 38i. They Took Off Over 1000g On Each Side And I Couldn’t Be Happier
#2 Finally Got Bangs. Should Have Done It Long Ago
#3 This Week Was Officially 1 Year Post Double Jaw Surgery For Me
Change in life—even if for the better—is not always an easy thing to go through. Even if you’re upgrading, or moving to a bigger apartment, for instance, the smaller one might start to feel more cozy than cramped, and more authentic than old all of a sudden.
That’s because the things we’re familiar with are comforting—they make us feel good. Delving deeper into why that is on Psychology Today, Dr. Michael E. W. Varnum, Social Psychology Area Head and Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology at Arizona State University noted that part of the reason is the fact that processing an interaction with someone or something familiar takes less mental effort than getting acquainted with someone or something new.
“Our mental capacities are large but not infinite,” Dr. Varnum wrote, adding that consequently, we try to use every chance to conserve mental energy. “Familiar stimuli tend to be easier to process than novel ones. We know what to expect from a park, restaurant, or person we know well.”
#4 5 Months Ago I Was Completely Bald Due To Chemo. Here I Am Today
For anyone going through hair loss due to cancer, keep on going!
#5 Lost 152 Lbs In Two Years. Natural Progress
Dr. Varnum continued to point out that familiar stimuli are more “perceptually fluent,” which means that they’re easier to process than new ones. Studies suggest that it tends to put us in a good mood, explaining why we enjoy familiar things.
“Another reason to prefer the familiar has to do with our evolved psychology,” the expert wrote. “Our minds are designed, among other things, to keep us safe from potential environmental threats. Drawing on this logic, generally, a place, a person, or a food we’ve encountered repeatedly without being harmed should be preferred compared to new ones whose potential to help or hurt us is unknown.”
#6 I Gave My Mumma A Makeover
#7 Finally Embracing My Curls After Straightening For 16 Years
#8 8 Year Glow Up. Finally Embracing My Natural Color And Curls
Bearing in mind that we tend to enjoy what we are familiar with, it’s no surprise that change can be far from enjoyable. Especially when it’s a change for the worse. However, according to cognitive scientist Maya Shankar, even change for the worse or certain challenges we face can end up being a positive influence in our lives.
In her TEDxTalk, she explained that change is filled with uncertainty, and we hate uncertainty. “Research shows that we’re more stressed when we’re told we have a 50 percent chance of getting an electric shock than when we’re told we have a 100 percent chance,” she noted, proving her point.
“Change is also scary because it involves loss of some kind. By definition, we’re departing from an old way of being and entering a new one. And when we experience a change that we wouldn’t have chosen for ourselves, it’s easy to feel that our lives are contracting, that we’re more limited than before,” the cognitive scientist said.
But Shankar continued to add that unexpected change can inspire lasting change within us. “We become different people on the other side of change. What we’re capable of, what we value and how we define ourselves, these things can all shift. And if we can learn to pay close attention to these internal shifts, we may just find that rather than limiting us, change can actually expand us.”
#9 On The Fence About Surgery? I Had The Duodenal Switch And I Have Lost A Total Of 385lbs
#10 (22) Extremely Depressed And Relied On Drinking To Get Through The Day – To Now (27) Sober, Extremely Happy To Be Alive And Feel Blessed Every Day
#11 Before vs. 6 Weeks After Double Jaw Surgery. I’m Actually So Embarrassed That I’m Posting This Picture, But Go Get That Surgery
According to The University Of People, change is not all about leaving familiar grounds; it’s also about fear of failure. In addition to being worried about not knowing what will happen after a certain change, people might also fear that that change will lead to failure. That’s why, when we don’t know how something will turn out, we may prefer not to try it because the outcome could be bad.
The fear that stems from the link between change and failure can turn even seemingly minor changes into difficult decisions to make. Take cutting your hair, for instance. Even if we want to do it, we might fear it at the same time. “What if it doesn’t look good?” we might think.
Needless to say, decisions more significant than that can be infinitely more difficult to make.
#12 From Damaged And Over Processed Because I Wanted Blonde Curls So Bad, To Tight, Healthy Curls And Embracing My Natural Dark Hair. You Live And Learn
#13 Today Marks 1 Year Since My Jaw Surgery
#14 I Gave My Mom (Who Suffers From Debilitating Depression And Trigeminal Neuralgia (Often Referred To As The ‘Su***de Disease’)) A Makeover
It was the first time I’d seen her genuinely smile in a long time. She kept saying she couldn’t believe she “could still look this beautiful anymore”.
But sometimes, the only way forward is facing the fear and leaping into the change, whether that means cutting your hair, moving to a new city, or even ending a relationship. No matter how significant or small of a step, it’s one that can only be taken by you.
And clearly, the women on this list weren’t going to wait for someone to take that step for them. They decided to change their lives themselves, and, looking at their pictures, they seem to be pretty happy with their decisions.
#15 After Years Of Contemplating, I Did It. From Zero Brows To Nano Brows. I’m So In Love And My Life Is Literally Changed I Could Cry
#16 After 2 Years And 9 Months, They’re Finally Off
I’m still not sure how I feel about my smile. It’s growing on me. I’ve had the same crooked smile for so long, I feel strange with a straight one. I have a minor lisp from wearing the braces but I’m sure that will clear with time.
#17 Before And After Of Me Doing My Moms Makeup
#18 When You Said “New Year, New Me” And You Actually Meant It
The story goes like this: Poor mental health and depression. Manifests as addiction. Food addiction. Gained 80 lbs. Hated my body. Had two kids. Body didn’t change except for more stretch marks and loose skin. Continued to feel bad about myself. Relationship with children’s father ended. Became a full-custody single mom. Health issues started arising after a decade of being obese. I was in my mid-30s at this point. In 2020, a year after the split, the thought, “I can’t die yet! My kids need me!” crossed my brain. After a good chunk of trauma processing, something inside me said “Let’s goooo”. And I lost 74 lbs in 9 months via intermittent fasting and keto. Health issues cleared up, which included Type 2 diabetes. And I also be feeling cute now or whatever.
The demons haven’t left, but I’m more equipped to handle the mfs. Now I’m 40 and it doesn’t feel like it at all. And Redditors DM me now. Which has been a life goal of mine. JK.
#19 Transitioned For 11 Months & Just Got My Big Chop! Before And After
#20 From Two Weeks Sober, To Two Years
Two years ago today, I decided I wasn’t going to let m**h rule my life anymore. I worked to completely change my life and get sober, and I am the happiest mother and wife I can be.
#21 (22) To (27) – Yoga Completely Changed My Mental And Physical Health
Started putting myself and my health first in 2023 and started practicing yoga and Pilates in June 2024 and absolutely fell in love with it! Completely changed my mental and physical health. Went from overweight and depressed for years to no longer needing medication and down 5 pants sizes. Feeling much more confident and like a brand new person.
#22 1 Year Difference In My Face. 135 Pounds Down Gastric Bypass
#23 Lasers Changed My Life
#24 26 To 30. Recovered Alcoholic, Quit Smoking A Pack A Day, Developed The Skincare Routine That Makes Me Glow, And Blasted My Forehead With Botox
#25 Exactly One Year Of Hair Growth! Had To Make The After Pic A Bit Larger Than The Before Cause My Hair Is Too Big
#26 20 And College Dropout On The Left … 23 And Nurse On The Right 🙂 The Biggest Change I Made Was Self-Love
#27 Two Years Ago, I Decided To Make A Change. 50 Lbs Later, I’m Training For A Half Marathon And Wore This To Work Today
#28 Depression Hair Before And After
#29 Lost 120 Lbs In 18 Months. Can We Appreciative The Face Glow Up
I know most of the posts in here are body pics of progress, which I’ve posted in here, too…. but can we appreciate the face glow ups, too?! I am so used to the way I look at 145 lbs now, I was shocked when I went back and saw some old photos from my heavier weight. Moments like this really help you appreciate how far you’ve come!
#30 20 Days Post-Op Bilateral Tmj Replacement And Upper Jaw Surgery Lefort Type 1
#31 Went For A Big Change
#32 Before And After! Tired Washed Out Ginger To Brunette Bob
#33 November 2010 vs. March 2020 – 4 Years Of Braces, Double Jaw Surgery And A Whole Lot Of Smiles Later
#34 I Just Want To Share This Inspiring Photo Of My Girlfriend Who Has Been Overweight Her Entire Life Until She Finally Decided To Make A Change. She Lost 45kg
#35 They’re Off
A lot of you have been with me these last 3 years and I love to see how we all have progressed. Today was my day! (Don’t mind a bit of discoloration on my gums. I had extra contouring to make things pretty).
#36 Before And Immediately After Sliding Genioplasty
Bottom lip is a little too tight to close fully as surgery was only a few hours ago. Still in a fair amount of pain, but wow I am so happy I did this!
#37 I Was Scared, But I Did The Big Chop And Actually Love It. Just Not Ready For All The Upkeep
#38 Botox For Bell’s Palsy
#39 Before And After. I Went From Natural Black To Blonde/Grey, I Love My Hairdresser
#40 Before And After I Cut And Dyed My Own Hair Last Night; Not Sure If Bangs Suit Me, But That’s Ok
#41 2016 (23) To 2024 (31)
#42 After Lots Of Lurking, I Really Went For It During Lockdown. Started With Long Brown Waves, Chopped Off Loads And Then Bleached For Pink. What Do You Think?
#43 Before And After
#44 My (Now Ex) Boyfriend Always Said He Preferred Me With Long, Natural Hair So Naturally I Chopped Off 10 Inches & Dyed It Red
#45 Officially 100lbs Down. Literally A Life Changing Decision. I Would Do It A Million Times Over
#46 From Some Advice I Decided To Dye My Hair Back To My Natural. Did Not Anticipate How Much Better It Would Make My Skin Look
#47 Got Myself A Makeover Today
#48 Did 4 Lasers, Hydroquinone And Now I Maintain With Treatinoin. Could Not Believe The Change In My Skin And What Can Be Achieved For Reversing Sun Damage
#49 Fab Over 40 Makeover
#50 Deep Plane Fl 1 Month Post Op
#51 I Lost 32 Lbs In 6 Months. Face Gains
Hello all!! I posted here last month when I crossed five months sober / into my weight loss journey! Just crossed six months (and hit 37!) and while I’ve gradually been noticing the changes in my body, I came across this photo of me from exactly a year ago (where I was still at my starting weight and drinking heavily every day) and put it up against a photo I took two days ago—kind of floor by the changes in my neck, shoulders, and face in general. Idk, am I crazy here? Or maybe I’m just happier and healthier. I think I’m closing in on a goal weight (110), but honestly getting to this weight has been world-changing. I was almost 200lbs at my heaviest and spent more than a decade thinking that 150lbs was all I had in me.
#52 Sophomore Year Of Highschool To Sophomore Year Of College
#53 My Ears Before, And After Getting Them Reconstructed (Almost 3 Years Healed)
#54 Pre-Molar Extractions Does Change Your Facial Features. In My Case I’d Say It’s Looking Great So Far
In case anyone is considering it, really consider the effects it may have and ask your doctor many questions before deciding.
#55 My Before And After Rosacea
One day while browsing instagram I found the page of an esthetician. Her spa sells some brand, so I gave it a shot since I had nothing else to lose.
#56 15 Days Post Op Ffl
#57 Never Been Blonde, Never Had Bangs. My Only Regret Is That I Didn’t Do It Sooner
#58 B&a Average Date Night – Ccw
#59 9 Months Post Glow Up! Best. Decision. Ever
#60 9 Months Post Ffs (42 Y/O)
Upper/Lower blepharoplasty, cheek implants, forehead contouring with scalp advancement, jaw contour, rhino/septoplasty, tracheal shave, lip lift, neck lipo, Morpheus 8 x 3
4 months post hair transplant to temples.
#61 I Lost 25lbs Then Had A Mommy Makeover Due To The Access Skin And I Lost Weight In My Breast, Hips And Butt. I Love My Results
#62 1y Post-Op Nose
I got my nose done a year ago, in Palo Alto, CA, super duper happy with the front view, I was bothered by the width, and building the bridge (rib graft, ouch!), tip and alarplasty did the trick. But since you can’t have it all, I’m finding that the profile is a little too projected, I gave it time in case it was swelling, but seems like this is it. Is it noticeable to other people too? But at the same time I’m not really willing to go through a revision just for that, so I’ll count my wins and be happy.
#63 2017/2018 vs. 2024: Rhinoplasty, Porcelain Veneers, Lip Filler, Botox, Ombre Powder Eyebrows
#64 Before And After: 2 Years Post Op For Rhinoplasty And 2 Months Post Op For Blepharoplasty And Eyebrow Lift
#65 Natural vs. Everyday Makeup On! I Like It Bold
#66 The Internet Wanted A Before And After
#67 Before And After Microblading
#68 Before/After: One Year Post Rhinoplasty
#69 Apparently Makeup Does Make A Huge Difference
#70 Few Hours After Getting My Eyebrows Microbladed. First I Loved Them Now I’m Nervous. Am I Going Through The Stages Of Getting Used To Them?
#71 7 Months Post Rhinoplasty And 17 Months Post Chin And Neck Liposuction
#72 8 Month Post Jowel And Neck Lift
#73 Immediately Before And After
#74 Before And After Chin And Filler (My Lips Were So Numb I Could Barely Move Them)
#75 Post By Dr Randal Haworth
1. Rotational endoscopic browlift and mid facelifts. 2. Facial fat transfer and submental liposuction 3. Lower blepharoplasty 4. Corner lip lift 5. Witch’s chin repair and bony chin reduction 6. Revision rhinoplasty.
#76 I Lost 31 Lbs In 4 Years. Weight Loss And Full Makeover
#77 Filler And Botox Before And After 5 Years Apart
#78 Pre-Quarantine vs. Today. Love Seeing All Of The Extreme Transformations Over Quarantine
#79 Endoscopic Eyebrow Lift + Lip Lift, 6 Months Out
#80 Asian Rhinoplasty, Buccal Fat, Masseter Botox, Chin Filler (4 Months Before And After)
#81 My Lip Filler Journey – 2.5ml Over 2 Years
