Plan for Effective Weight Loss

All roads lead to nowhere if you don't know where you're headed.

In my conversations with folks who want to speed up the process, the first question I always ask is, "How much do you want to reduce your weight by?"

The typical response I get goes like this:

"Oh, I'm not sure. I'm simply shedding some pounds."

or

I'm just attempting to trim down a little.

I'd say around 95% of the folks I talk to have no idea how much weight they want to lose. You can see the bigger picture when you consider that 95 percent of people who want to lose weight fail.

I would argue that many of these people have no idea what their starting weight was to begin with. It's impossible to gauge progress without knowing both your starting and ending points.

The short response is "no."

The piece is titled "The Roadmap to Success," therefore I'll use that metaphor throughout.

Would you merely go out on an unknown adventure and hope for the best if you had to arrive at a certain destination? Of course not, and you certainly would not.

You'd want to know where you're leaving from, how far it is, what the route is, whether you need to make any stops along the way, whether you can drive there or take a boat or plane, when you need to leave to make the flight, how long the trip will take, and so on.

You can use an atlas, a printed map from the internet, a phone call to the destination for instructions, or the advice of someone who has already been there.

Is it possible for you to hear me? Have I made my point clear enough?

What is stopping you from planning your "weight reduction journey" with the same level of care to get the greatest possible outcome?

If you answered, "I don't know where to start," then let me be your guide.

Here are seven tips to help you map out your "roadmap to success" and give yourself the best chance of achieving your goals.

Determine your current location. You got it; it implies putting oneself on the scale. Being overweight myself, I can empathize with the fact that most individuals would rather not weigh themselves. I assure you, this is crucial to your success along the way. Do it now.

Two, settle on a conclusion. Determine your own weight goal by doing the math. You have complete leeway in how you go about this, but it should be something that you can realistically do while still being in good condition. You are now aware of the precise amount of weight loss required.

Set a timeline, then stick to it! Think about how long it will take you to lose that much weight, and commit to a date by which you want to have accomplished your goal. Make sure it's realistic; there's no point in setting out to lose 56 pounds (4 stones) in a week.

Cut the time frame in half! If you've set yourself a year to do something, for instance, break it down into manageable monthly targets.

To what or who will you turn for assistance, number five? It's a simple fact of life that we all require assistance at some point. As an alternative, you may consult a professional or read a guidebook. Who in your life can you always count on to have your back? Get in touch with them, explain your plans to them, and then solicit their input and backing to help you achieve success.

Start right away and keep going! I know it may sound like a no-brainer, but many people often seem to say things like, "I'll start next week" or "I'm just taking today off and I'll get back on it tomorrow." Reality check: you can't afford to take a break or a "day off" every so often. There is no time like the present to get started, and there is no time like the present to stop when you've reached your goal.

No more waiting; it's time to party! When people succeed, they often fail to take the time to properly celebrate their accomplishment. 

One's neurological system receives the message that something is pleasant and desirable when a person celebrates. Achieving intermediate milestones should be commemorated in some small fashion, but the ultimate success should be marked with a grand party. Write down a long list of rewards you'd like to offer yourself once you've achieved your goal, and then pick the one that means the most to you.

You should now be ready to embark on your travel. Do so with confidence that you will arrive safely and in good spirits.

The highest of hopes are with you.