There are many reasons people decide they want to lose weight, get fit and tone up. Often this is sparked by a specific deadline or big event. Examples of this include wanting to look amazing on your wedding day, training for a specific event like a half marathon or marathon or a beach holiday. Sometimes it’s as simple as you want to look and feel better by losing some weight.

Every individual has their why? - i.e the real reason they have decided to embark on a course of change. In the end change is the key to a successful weight loss plan. If you change nothing you will continue on the path that has led you to putting on weight. A wise man once said “the definition of madness is doing the same thing again and again and expecting a different result.”

Once you have made your changes, then it is also necessary to make them a habit by continuing to do them. The minimum amount of time to build a new habit is 21 days but the longer you manage to do so then the more likely it is to become permanent. Here are some great tips and ways to stay focused and make those changes in lifestyle permanent:

1. Get inspired by others – surround yourself with positive people and ones who have similar goals. Having support from friends and family is very important especially spousal / partner support. Equally, avoiding individuals who are negative and unsupportive during your time of change is a good move. Positivity and support are essential.

2. Regularly reminding yourself of your WHY? - this can be done visually by putting a picture of yourself when you looked at your best where you can see it regularly.

3. Use your old clothes that don’t fit as a target to get into them - and once you have got to your target weight, reward yourself by buying new clothes – which will help you keep your new look as you want to continue to look great in them.

4. Don’t be scared to ask for advice or admit to finding it tough to making the changes - sometimes work pressures, peer pressure and home pressures can combine to make plans difficult. Seeking my help and advice is essential and something I'm always happy to give.

Change can be scary and difficult. But with the right people, appropriate knowledge, support and accountability, then your goals of looking and feeling great are well within reach. Plan, Focus, Implement, Get it done.