[excerpt] Without motivation, the best exercise and nutrition plan is useless. Sometimes someone with a limited knowledge base can lose weight simply because they want it bad enough.
You must examine yourself. Why do you want to lose weight? Are you tired of how you feel? Are you ready to do something about it? What exactly motivates you is something you must answer. Only you can change you.
There is a difference between emotion and motivation. Emotion is temporary, but sincere motivation is long lasting.
There are many points that may help you lose weight with regards to assisting motivation. Here are a few of them.
First point is attitude. You must have a positive attitude as you begin your weight-loss program. Your attitude will determine how successful you will be. You control your body. With so many factors and circumstances out of your control, that is the one area that you can regulate.
Second point, is set attainable goals. Don't set a goal of losing 10 pounds in a month, which might set you up for failure. Set a goal of maybe losing 10 pounds in 8 weeks. This way, you are setting yourself up for success with a goal that is much more attainable and allows for some “off” days. Everyone has “off” days. Sometimes you need a small break from exercise or a strict diet. The next day you will feel refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to work again toward the goal. Without having an attainable goal to work for, you will be less motivated. You will be more likely to just exercise when you “feel like it” or to grab a nutritious meal when it is “convenient.” Sound familiar? It is best to create small goals for yourself that ultimately lead up to your one large goal.
Third point is patience. No one likes to wait — for anything. It is human nature. Sometimes we are willing to sacrifice our future for momentary pleasure. Think of the end result. Anything worth achieving doesn’t happen overnight. It will take patience and hard work.
Fourth point is consistency; that is really what it takes to lose weight. You can't be successful by working out one week and skipping the next two. Progress builds as consistency is maintained. That doesn't mean you can't have an "off" or rest day. It should be planned in the program. You must make losing weight a passion. Evidence shows that if you do something for 21 days it will start becoming a habit. And you also will notice that the first 3 weeks are usually the hardest mentally and physically. Once you are past this initial stage, it will become much easier. You will start to do things without question.
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