Achieving any goal, especially in health and fitness, starts with a strong and clear desire that motivates action.

Before you begin to successfully lose weight you need to make the necessary changes, and seek out the ways and means to reach your desired goal. Adopt a “no excuses” mindset and stay focused on your goals.

 

 

Obese Girl Loses 66 Pounds, Maintains Healthy Weight and Diet | Good Morning America

 

 

 

Do these sound like your excuses? “I’d exercise if I had more time.” “I tried to eat healthy, but the kids wanted pizza.” “Every time I plan to exercise or eat healthy, something always comes up.” “Eating healthy is too expensive.”

 

As long as we blame outside influences, our results won’t change. People often truly think these excuses are beyond their control and that others are responsible for their lack of progress.

 

The number one and most important step to losing weight successfully is to take 100% responsibility for your actions, which means, you are fully responsible for everything you put into your mouth. Every food choice, like eating chocolate cake, is your decision and your responsibility. It might sound tough, but it’s true.

 

“Proactive,” a term motivational speakers use, means taking responsibility for our lives, not blaming others. Proactive people act based on their own choices and willpower.

 

Next time an excuse arises, change your mindset and plan to tell yourself you can succeed. Understanding your inner power simplifies overcoming challenges.

 

A few successes will build your confidence and help you grow and be able to commit to something you want to do or have. Self-talk can make us or break us. Allow your self-talk to help you be proactive toward your health and fitness goals. You already have, inside of you, what it takes to succeed.

 

 

Working with clients on behavioral change, I find food journals and appointment scheduling to be successful tools for goal achievement.

 

1. A food journal helps you track everything you eat, making you more mindful of your choices. Reviewing it can reveal hidden extra calories. A weight loss coach is also a good strategy to help you become accountable and learn about healthy eating.

 

2. Schedule your exercise time just like scheduling a meeting or doctor’s appointment. Many clients are successful with their fitness goals working with a personal trainer because they have the appointment scheduled and are less likely to blow it off because of the appointment. Discipline yourself with regularly scheduled exercise time. This will increase your consistency and help you get to your goal.