One of the most important mental hacks that has helped me lose a ton of weight is to stop thinking about the outcome. I think this is especially important when your goal is really ambitious or far away, and in my case, I needed to lose over 130 lbs and gain muscle.
Just thinking about that was overwhelming and demotivating. I know it will take a least a year to get there, maybe more, and the thought of restricting myself for so long just sounded torturous. This is also probably why I didn't get started on a diet sooner; I just felt like the challenge was insurmountable so I was doomed to be this way forever.
What I didn't realize at the time was that it was going to get significantly easier. And it's not because the actual activities I'm doing are easier now - it's because I'm not the same person anymore. Losing weight has changed me mentally - I'm now stronger and more confident, and willing to take on bigger challenges now that I have some success under by belt.
Compare this to when I started on the journey; I wasn't working out at all, and only vaguely started thinking about my calorie intake (but just estimating it rather than writing it down). Now, I work out consistently 3 days per week (with a plan), eat less than 2,000 calories and 200 grams of protein a day. I also go on periodic epic walks or hikes - sometimes 10+ miles with elevation change these days. Because I feel like it.
There's no way I would have expected to handle this kind of intensity early on - in fact, it may have scared me away entirely to think about having to commit to what I do now. But now it's fun to see how much I can do. It feels more like a game. Not only that, but I've gained motivation from seeing my progress so far.
The moral of the story is when you're just starting, it's hard to predict what it will be like to become a different person. However, it will happen, so don't get overwhelmed by trying to plan out your entire path ahead with the current you. Instead, focus on just getting started with an easy habit that you can do now - no need to rush. Trust that your future more successful self will be motivated to up the intensity in the future.
One step at a time!