Studies show that once you’ve successfully made a healthy lifestyle change for six months that you have developed a habit for life.

The key to motivate yourself is to change the way you think. Everything we do is a direct result of what we think.

Action Builds Motivation.

This means that for every single positive action you take you are fueling your motivation to succeed.

Know your weaknesses as well as your strengths. Being aware of your weaknesses helps you to improve yourself and become stronger.

Accept yourself for who you are. Don’t try to be something you’re not or can’t be. You may never be a size 2 or have muscles like Mr. America. Once you stop trying to turn yourself into something that you physically cannot be you’ll be able to focus on having the healthiest body possible.

Love yourself.

Write down a list of everything you like about yourself including all the good things you have accomplished. This will improve your self-esteem and increase your motivation.

Reward yourself for every little success … (even with just a pat on the back.)

• Saying no thanks to dessert or passing on the pastries at work
• Eating 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day
• Drinking 8 or more glasses of water per day
• Not having second helpings, or just having seconds of vegetables
• Reducing stress through other means than eating
• Fitting into a smaller size
• Losing a pound

Get support.

You need someone who will hold you accountable for your actions. As well as validate your feelings and help to inspire you. Remember having an online buddy, support group or forum is just as effective as an offline support group. All of the good online programs have excellent support systems.

Learn to think positively.

Say, “I can” and “I will”. Don’t say, “I’ll try”. Go to your kitchen and “try” to pick up a kitchen chair. You either DO or you don’t. Be willing to DO all that is required for you to reach your goals.

If you constantly tell yourself that you can’t do it, or that your lazy or weak.. etc… you begin to believe it, and will unconsciously act on it.

Every time you think something negative, immediately replace it with a positive thought. Believe in yourself. I believe in you.

Are you thinking of throwing in the towel? STOP and THINK. List the pros and cons of going back to your old eating habits. This will remind you of why you wanted to lose weight and get healthy in the first place.

Know why you want to lose weight.

What is your ultimate goal? Do you want to look better? Be healthier? Have more energy? Look good for your reunion? Live long enough to see your children and grandchildren grow up? It’s imperative that you find that inner force that drives you. This will keep your motivation burning longer than anything else.

Plan on going off track.

Some people find it helpful to have a “built in” cheat day. But if you eat too much at the birthday party … don’t beat yourself up. It’s done – It’s over. Forgive yourself and forget it. Try to eat a little less at your next couple of meals and get on with your life and your new healthy eating lifestyle.