You have made it so far in your journey toward a better body! Don’t stop now! This week, I challenge you to make a commitment. Remember, you are not making temporary changes; this is your new lifestyle and it involves building a positive relationship with yourself. I know commitment can be a scary concept, but my three simple steps will up your chances of sticking to these new healthy goals (no cold feet allowed!).
1. Make a public announcement. Let your closest friends and family know about your new healthy goals. Research has shown that by voicing your goals to loved ones, you increase the likelihood of achieving these goals by over 50%! Subconsciously you become more dedicated to your aspirations, because now someone other than yourself is expecting you to succeed.
2. Set a date. This is beginning to sound like a marriage, isn’t it? Well, good. You should be taking this commitment just as seriously, if not more so. After telling everyone about your new goals, set a target date for when you expect to accomplish these high hopes. If you want to lose 30 lbs., don’t just say, “I want to lose 30 lbs.” Be specific and say, “I will lose 30 lbs. by June 1, 2013, and I will be able to fit into my skinny jeans again!” This will further instill accountability, which is your obligation to accept responsibility and take action.
3. Think of what you’ll gain. How many times have you said that you’re going to lose weight only to find it again…right back on your hips, thighs or belly? Your mind can play tricks on you when it thinks your body is being deprived. Instead of caving in and letting the pounds pile back on, use the power of words to push out any negative thoughts. Repeat after me: “Not only will I lose weight, but I’ll gain sleek and sexy muscle tone, I’ll gain endurance and I’ll gain energy!” And those are just the physical gains. Imagine the emotional transformation — more confidence, more happiness, a sense of self-achievement and the list goes on.