Maria's Last Diet

by Maria's Last Diet

We have the ability to think about what we want and to make up our minds to get it. Nothing is more powerful than a made-up mind.

Once we make up our minds to do something, a plan for doing it follows naturally. A made-up mind is an arrow pointing in the direction of our goals.

Then we do things to cause the wanted goal to be achieved. We make plans, we take steps, and inevitably, we encounter obstacles. With a mind that's made up, we find ways to overcome these obstacles.

We grapple with roadblocks. We come up with new ideas about how to get around these impediments. Each time we deal successfully with an obstacle in our path, it gives us more strength to sustain our effort.

It is no different when it comes to dealing with your biggest weight-loss challenge -- losing weight.

by Maria's Last Diet

Do you want to lose weight? Do you have troubling actually doing It?

This is a trick that works: make a contract with yourself.

Here are some guidelines:

• Write out the contract: Written intentions tend to be more powerful than just telling yourself what you'll do
• Make sure the contract includes "payment": Include specific rewards for fulling the responsibilities the contract calls for
• Be honest with yourself: If you break your word to yourself at any point, own up. It will save your self-esteem, and help you try again

A contract might go something like this: "For every week I keep to my diet plan, I'll go on a special shopping trip." This a very tangible and attractive prize for many women.

Or: "For every 5 lbs I lose, I'll give $5 to breast cancer research." Believe it or not, a reward like this is a powerful motivator. Thinking you are helping someone besides yourself could give you an even bigger reason to adhere to the terms of the contract.

Make the contract fair, but also challenging. Set yourself a task that is within your reach, but one you need to work to accomplish.

A contract with yourself is a great way to reinforce yourself for giving up an unwanted eating habit, and a great way to reward yourself for developing better habits.