There are many good, healthy, weight loss plans available that provide good, sensible diets with effective exercise programs, and perhaps safe natural weight loss aids. Each of these programs have their dramatic success stories. But if there is no real shortage of effective weight loss programs, why do so many people have such trouble losing weight? What is the difference between the people who choose a program and lose 20, 50, even 100 pounds or more and those who do the exact same program and never lose an ounce?

The key difference is follow-through. No matter how good a weight loss program is, it won’t work for someone if they don’t stick to it consistently long-term. Most people start a weight loss program with good intentions and they may even be highly motivated at first, but the majority get off track quickly - usually within a week or two - and never really get any momentum on their natural weight loss plan.

The question is, what causes someone who has finally made the commitment to lose weight to lose his or her motivation so quickly as to never make any real progress?

A lot of things can get in the way of following through on a natural weight loss plan. People may try to tempt us with poor food choices. Stress can set off cravings. Many people have good intentions but just can’t seem to make the time to prepare healthy food and/or to get as much exercise as they need to. For many, the rush of daily life quickly distracts them from the motivating reasons that made them commit to losing weight.

One tip to help keep you on track is to make sure to frequently think about your reasons for wanting to lose weight and what will be better about your life once you have lost the weight. The majority of individuals don’t simply want to lose weight, they have some other more compelling issue that is driving them to lose weight. Some might want to be better able to play with their kids. Some may want to fit into sexy clothes again. Some may want to be fit enough again to enjoy certain activities. Whatever the reason is for you, once you figure it out, if you’ll keep that motivating reason in your thoughts, your chances for succeeding on your natural weight loss plan will be greatly improved.

You’ll need to frequently focus your thoughts on your main reason(s) to lose weight in order to maintain a high level of motivation. I suggest writing your motivating factors down in such a way that it will enhance your motivation every time you read it. Since the mind typically works to avoid negative things and to seek out positive things, I suggest writing down your list of motivators with something negative you wish to avoid and something positive you wish to achieve as a result of losing weight. As an example, if you are tired of hearing fat jokes and people whispering about your weight problem, you could write something along the lines of, “I am committed and highly motivated to lose weight because I am no longer willing to be the subject of fat jokes and gossip. I am excited to be achieving my weight loss goals and hearing people say how great I look!”

Place your written motivating statement(s) somewhere that you will see it more than once each day. When you do see it, take the time to read it and really get into the experience of what those words mean. Don’t just read passively to get through it, actually think about the words and FEEL what you have written down.

Because there are so many things that can conspire against you in your weight loss efforts, it is critical that your stay focused and remind yourself of why it s important for you to stick to your natural weight loss plan. You can stick to your diet and exrcise program when you use your mind to help you rather than just let it operate on auto-pilot. By working on staying motivated, you too can be one of the natural weight loss success stories!