Go to your reflection journal and write some of your reasons. If you don’t want to write it out, think of another way you can express your thoughts and feelings. For example, a drawing, painting, or cutting images out of a magazine that reflect your reasons for change.

As you’re doing this, ask yourself these questions:

• What are your reasons for wanting to manage your weight?
• Is there anything that makes this important enough for you to want to make a change now?
• What would make this valuable enough to you to make the effort now, even if you may not see the benefits right away?

Your motivation can come and go from one day to another. You’ll likely have days when it’s easier to take action and other days when you really struggle. This is normal.

You may want to look at what you created earlier (writing, painting, collage). Keep it somewhere close where you see it often to remind yourself of why these changes are important.

What other ways can you remind yourself of your personal reasons for making changes?

Here are some tips that might work for you.

• Post your list of the reasons why your goals and your health are important to you on your fridge or in your cell phone.
• Write down and celebrate your success. For example, it may be easier to walk to the mailbox now than when you started.

No matter how big or small, each step builds on the ones you’ve already taken to help you become healthier. ​