It's easy to be motivated to do things you really want to do. When was the last time you didn't feel motivated to dive into your birthday cake, or go on vacation? In the case of weight loss, it often takes more than willpower to keep you on track.

Most people have been conditioned by their previous attempts. If you want something to happen you have to make it happen, wishful thinking begets more of the same. Self-approval and self-acceptance works wonders when you're changing your lifestyle. First, give yourself permission to be healthy, fit, satisfied or whatever you want to change. Always keep in mind that you don't have to do anything you don't want to. The choices and changes are always up to you. Most New Years resolutions start with great intent and fade fast by the beginning of the next month. Be realistic about what you can and can't achieve. Writing out your goals helps to commit them to memory. Revisiting them often helps to make sure you're on the right track.

Take the Pressure Off

If you don't change when you want to it won't work, or it won't work for long. Also, don't think of the changes as deprivation. Ex. take the pressure off and allow yourself to have your favorites in small portions to avoid binges. If you over indulge accept the consequences of your choices and don't complain when your jeans don't fit. Become accountable for what you choose. Deliberately anticipate and visualize the way you want to be or the change you want to make. Doing this overrides your present subconscious and allows you to reach your goals. New changes and behaviors aren't comfortable and they take you out of that familiar comfort zone. See how you can do it, emphasis on the word see.

Picture This

Use experiential imagery to visualize how you want to be. Actually put yourself in the change, see yourself as you would if you were actually were. If you want to weigh 125 lbs, visualize stepping on the scales, you'd see your feet, and your calves, the scales and the floor. See the numbers rolling to and landing on 125lbs. Hold that image and let it become your new reality. There will be times when you have to rock the boat. We want to be fit, but not at the expense of our present comfy, familiar lifestyle. Who really wants to get up early and exercise or learn to cook healthy? Sometimes you almost have to be obsessive about your growth and many won't understand it, they'll think you're selfish and narcissistic.

As you think

Don't think that want you really want is unattainable. If you think that way it will be. Live and breathe your goals. Remember the saying "If it is to be, it is up to me". You alone are responsible for the fulfillment of your dreams. Focusing on the reward will help to keep you motivated, set your goals on the joy and anticipation of what's to come. What you put your attention on grows. Turn your attention to the rewards of staying on track with your healthy eating and exercise. Continue to guide your thoughts to the state of optimum health and fitness that you want. Most importantly believe that you can have it and that you deserve it.

Sandra L. Garth is a speaker, personal trainer, lifestyle and weight management specialist, online contributor for WEYI NBC-25 from Saginaw, Michigan, and host of Fit Matters on WUCM - FM. Send in your fitness questions to sandra(at)onebodyonelifetime.com - For a free fitness analysis visit http://onebodyonelifetime.efitnesstracker.com/