Monday, January 5, 2009

Three Easy Steps to Start Losing Weight

By Mary Bush

Weight loss is a constant battle for most of us. We jump from diet to diet and program to program hoping to find the right solution for our weight issue. Whether trying to lose five pounds or fifty, there are three key steps most people leave out of their weight loss plans: prioritization, commitment, and focus. With these three steps, weight loss odds can go up dramatically.

1. Prioritize

Before joining a gym or enrolling in a weight loss program, take an honest inventory of your priorities. If you're a busy person with a family and demanding career like me, there are only so many priorities you can manage adequately. Where does weight management fall in your list? If it's not in your top three or four priorities, are you willing to move it higher toward the top of the list? If not, you probably won't have much success, because weight loss takes work, and work takes time! The only way to get rid of extra pounds is to make weight loss a top priority. List your priorities. If weight loss is in the top five, you stand a good chance of down-sizing.

2. Make a Commitment

Now that weight loss is a priority, are you ready to commit to losing weight - and keeping it off? If so, tell a few key people in your life. Make it public. If those around you know you're committed to losing weight, several things will happen. First, they'll talk with you about your progress. They'll also be able to support your efforts. They'll know, for example, that since you're seriously committed to losing weight, giving you your favorite chocolate as a birthday present isn't the way to go. Finally, by telling your family and friends about your commitment to losing weight, you just might gain a few supporters who want to join in your endeavor. Make a commitment and go public with it.

3. Maintain laser-like focus

It's critical that you maintain laser-like focus while you're working toward losing weight. The moment you don't, your progress may begin to slide. Focus is crucial, because it helps remind you of your commitment to managing your weight and being healthy. Give yourself some physical reminders to help maintain focus. Put a picture or note on your refrigerator, your cell phone, your computer, and in your car. When you're focused, you're much less likely to eat junk food and skip exercising, and much more likely to eat healthy and find time for a quick jog. Make weight loss a focal point in your life, and you'll be happier with the results.

If you've read this far, you're obviously interested in losing weight. Take a few minutes to help start making that interest a reality. List your priorities, make a commitment, then stay focused. Your body will thank you.

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