Do You Have What It Takes?

We all grew up with the exhortation, “If you don’t first succeed, try and try again.” But how many of us really take this advice to heart, especially when it comes to weight loss?

Most of us have started a weight loss program at one time or another. But many of us have trouble sticking with it long enough to be satisfied with our efforts.

Persistence is the key to reaching your goals, especially when it comes to losing weight. Growing your persistence muscle helps you not only to achieve your dreams. It also gives you the ability bounce back from life’s disappointments.

If you have seen the movie The Pursuit of Happyness, you may have been moved to tears by Chris Gardner’s story. Will Smith stars as a young man from disadvantaged circumstances who beats homelessness and poverty to achieve his version of happiness. In spite of one demoralizing setback after another, Gardner shows almost unbelievable determination in his dogged pursuit of success.

Why is it that some people have a steely backbone and a talent for perseverance, while others are ready to give up before they even get started?

The truth is that true grit is a personality characteristic that can be developed. You can learn to be more persistent. However, it does take practice. But when you show determination in one area of your life, you may find that this quality will carry over into other areas.

Strengthen Your Persistence Muscle

Here are some suggestions to strengthen your ability to be persistent:

• Establish clear-cut goals. If you are clear about what you want, then it is much easier to move persistently forward. In Chris Gardner’s case, he knew exactly what he wanted and went after it.
• Visualize your goals while meditating or relaxing. This primes your subconscious to focus on the goal and move you forward.
• Break long-term goals into monthly, weekly, and daily objectives. Know what actions you need to get there.
• Remind yourself of past successes, especially when you showed a persistent attitude. Perhaps you stayed up all night to polish off a term paper for school. Or to finish a home remodeling project. Maybe your team put forth the extra effort needed to win the big game. In all probability, you have shown perseverance in your life in many ways. Write them down and self-affirm your ability to be persistent and determined.
• To inspire persistence, read biographies of others who have faced challenges in life. Stories of others who have overcome adversities can be very motivating.
• Develop a feeling of commitment to your goal. Find a sense of purpose. It’s much easier to be persistent when you have a reason to be inspired. The loftier and more enduring that purpose, the more likely it will be to command your continuous attention. For instance, an enduring desire for good health may more motivating than the short term goal of looking good for an upcoming class reunion. You may have even had a health scare, such as a diagnosis of diabetes or a heart attack, to prod you into losing weight.
• Write down your goals as well as your feelings of why you want to achieve them. Review them daily. I put my goals on my computer where I can find them quickly. Or you might prefer to write them out in a journal, print them on an index card to tuck into a pocket for easy review, or post them on the bathroom mirror. Figure out what works for you.

Workable Strategy + Persistence = Success

Of course, persistence is only part of the formula for weight loss success. Make sure you have a workable strategy to achieve your goals. An effective diet as well as consistent exercise is needed to lose weight. Be sure to review our diet and exercise program reviews, and choose the one that will work best for you.