For many of us, losing weight is a matter of being able to fit into those old pair of jeans or into that new dress we bought “for when we lose weight”. But no matter how much you may want something, it doesn’t make the road to success any easier.

So let’s be honest here. Successful weight loss, that is losing weight and keeping it off, is not easy. In fact, I think it is likely one of the most difficult things to do; but not for the reasons you may think.

Weight loss is not necessarily difficult because your body can’t burn enough calories to lose excess pounds. If the total calories consumed is less than the total calories burned, weight loss will happen. All normal, healthy bodies know how to do this.

Successful weight loss is difficult because it requires you to change something intangible about yourself: your behaviour. It’s not easy to reach for just the banana rather than the banana and the ice cream!

Here’s some good news: Though successful weight loss is hard work, it’s certainly not impossible, and you most definitely deserve the time and attention you will be giving yourself.

There are a multitude of articles, books, and videos explaining how to lose weight; Healthy diet, more exercise, drink water, etc. Though these are essentials for weight loss to occur, successful weight loss requires a little bit extra.

1. Take Responsibility

Know that it is up to you to take care of yourself the way you want and need to be taken care of. You deserve to pay attention to yourself no matter who else in your life you are taking care of. Make the commitment to make yourself a priority in your own life.

2. Realise Your Power

Realise that you have the power to make choices and the power to become who you want to be. It all begins with the decision to take responsibility for yourself, your actions and your decisions.

3. Take each day as it comes

Understand that successful weight loss is a change in lifestyle and will not occur overnight. There will be days when you may not feel like sticking to your diet and/or exercise plan. But don’t get discouraged! Each day is a new day that gives you the opportunity to reclaim the power that you have for your own life.

Keeping these three things in mind and embracing them on a daily basis will get you started on the road to successful weight loss as well as any other endeavour you choose to take on.

Remember that although it is always a bonus to have external support, it is ultimately your decision, and within your power, to achieve anything and everything.