SCHOOL IS ALWAYS IN SESSION

With the kids back in school, you’ve decided to get into a weight-loss program. You begin exercising and eating healthy. Within a month, you’re noticing some changes. But on day you look in the mirror, and still aren’t completely happy with what you see. Instead of continuing, you get impatient and say "What's the use?" It takes too long.

The problem may be not in your body but in your mind. You may have changed your eating habits but not your thought habits. Still thinking of healthy eating as a form of punishment.

It is easy to get caught up in focusing on what is "wrong" with our bodies. However you may get better results if you focus on how thin you want to be, and the clothes you want to wear. This is different than constantly reminding yourself how much you need to lose.

Attitude and focus are everything when it comes to working toward a goal. Isn't that how you would want your child to approach their learning in school?

PAID IN FULL

I once read that a good way of paying off your debt was to pay a bit more every month. I like that idea. I think you can turn it around and use it for weight control. Every month eliminate little unhealthy foods or habits. If you focus on eliminate one unhealthy habit a month it can make a world of difference. Conquering old habits is a wonderful way of boosting your morale and confidence as well.

BE QUIET AND WORK OUT

Your best buddy may not be the best buddy to work out with. A great social friend is not always the right person to motivate you. It might be better to get with someone you admire or who will push you. Even better find someone who is more dedicated than you. It is better to have someone you feel you want to emulate or "be as good as."

Laughing and talking do not burn as much calories as working out. Consider the value of your work out time.If your work out buddy is more interested in chit-chat,arrange to socialize after. Your efforts effect your results.

NOW SHOWING

If you look at your DVD collection you probably purchased movies that you enjoyed watching. That would make sense because you want to have the luxury of replaying or sharing the great emotions it might stir.

Suppose you were to replay a movie you didn't care for? Perhaps one that frightened you, or one that evoked another unpleasant feeling. That might seem silly to you. Doesn't make much sense to torture yourself. Yet that is what you do when you choose to replay hurtful memories.

Think of your mind as a giant theatre. And you run the cinema. If you replay painful memories, you will evoke those feelings again. No one is suggesting you live in denial but you certainly don't have to keep running the same movie.

Much in the same way when you are creating new habits, and find yourself reacting the old habit. It might be useful to stop the film, and run it the way you want it to have happened instead. Replaying the old habit doesn't change anything. And it is reinforcing the old habit.

It's your theatre. What kind of movies are you choosing to play?

SAY IT TO YOURSELF AND THE UNIVERSE WILL HEAR YOU

The best motivational coach for you is you. When you find yourself headed down a discouraging path---stop and change directions. Think of a word or phrase that will assist you as you continue to monitor your focus while running, working, etc.

Like high-octane fuel for your gas tank, mantras can give you that extra boost. What you choose to focus on will work as powerfully for you as against you. Take what is meaningful to you about moving and meditate on it, sing it, say it or pray it out loud. Let the entire universe know that you’re determined. And nothing and no one will ever stop you.