As anyone who's ever had to lose weight can attest, it's not the easiest thing in the world, even if you know everything you should do to attain a weight-loss goal. Some people find inspiration in motivation, whether from other people who have successfully lost weight or from themselves. Use a variety of motivational tools to help you, so that you can achieve your goals more quickly and easily.

Take it One Day at a Time
Instead of viewing a large weight loss goal in one large chunk (which can seem daunting), take each day at a time. View your weight loss in baby steps or in increments of 5 or even 2 pounds.

Visualize Your Slender Self
If you have a photo of yourself at your goal weight, place it in a prominent place in your home or workplace. A good spot is in the kitchen, either taped to your refrigerator or pantry. If you think about reaching for a food you shouldn't have, the visual reminder may make you think twice and reach for a healthy snack instead.

If you don't have a photo of yourself at your goal weight, cut a picture from a magazine for a realistic body that you would be happy with.

In addition, when you're tempted to eat something you know you shouldn't or don't feel like exercising, visualize yourself at your goal weight to fight temptation.

Reward Yourself for Accomplishments
Prepare to reward yourself every time you meet a small goal. This may be for every 5 pounds lost. For other people, it might be 10. Set small goals that are comfortable and attainable for you.

It's best not to reward yourself with food, however. Instead, buy yourself a pair of shoes, a dress, a pair of pants, a book, a haircut, a manicure or something else you want.

Write Down Your Accomplishments
Every time you reach a small goal, write it down in a prominent place, like a kitchen calendar. You should feel proud of yourself and treat each goal reached like a mini-celebration.

Don't Deprive Yourself Completely
Instead of banning all chocolate or all ice cream, set aside times when you can have foods you don't eat every day. If you deprive yourself completely, you may find yourself craving the forbidden foods more and more until you binge on them. When you find yourself wanting chocolate, have a small portion and really think about the taste so that you truly enjoy it.

Don't Beat Yourself Up
If you have a day where you eat something you shouldn't, don't feel bad. An occasional slip-up doesn't have to lead you back to bad eating habits and not exercising. Instead, think about what led you to eat the wrong foods and remind yourself how far you've come. Face the next day with a renewed commitment to your healthy eating plan.