Attitude is one key to weight loss and determination and satisfaction help.  

[pullquote]Determination and Satisfaction: Try to wake with determination to be successful and go to bed with the satisfaction of your accomplishments.[/pullquote]Theoretically, weight loss is easy, but I practice it is much harder in reality.  Is it as simple as eating less and exercising more? If so, we could all just watch the pounds melt away, but that is not the case.  In reality, however, it takes a lot of willpower and determination to commit to a new, more healthy way of life.  You need to adopting the right attitude and using appropriate tools will aid your weight loss effort significantly.  The feeling of determination is critical for the start of a diet and exercise program.  If you are not determined to be successful, you will not start a new program to be more healthy or to lose weight or ta the very least, the new plan will fizzle out quickly.

Although determination is important to start and maintain a new plan, satisfaction is important to both make and judge success.  The determination is what gets you out of bed in the morning.  You must be determined to make things happen and avoid letting things get in the way of your success.  Simply telling yourself you will be successful is not enough because you must believe.  If you hit a road bump, reflect on your reasons for wanting to lose weight.  Write down your motivations for weight loss and post it in a prominent place such as the refrigerator door, your bathroom mirror, or even on the internet.  The more public the posting, the better it will work.  If you are a more private person, find a support group, join a fitness class at the local gym, or sign up for a weight loss competition at work.  When your resolve is wavering, reach out to the group for support and encouragement.   Every time you are tempted to give up, look at the list.  You can even have your family or friends remind you of your reasoning when you become tempted.  This will make you more accountable.  

The bottom line: With every step you take, you need to be satisfied with your progress and be determined to make more.  If you are not satisfied with your success or accomplishments, you will brew negative feelings that will overwhelm your progress and lead to failure. Remember, you are one step closer to where you want to be with each step you take.