Tips to help stay motivated

It ain’t easy to stay motivated to do something that takes away pleasures you are accustomed to – such as eating a large piece of chocolate cake with ice cream.

It’s hard to see the big picture in moment to moment living. We need constant reminders to keep perspective and to persevere.

Keep your motivations current.

• Set tangible goals for yourself and reward yourself as soon as you reach each one.

• Stay motivated by writing reminder notes of your goals and the rewards for each step gained. Post these notes in places you see regularly.

• Keep your reminders fresh. If you don't notice the notes that you have made for yourself – or the pair of pants that you want to fit into – move the items to fresh locations where they will catch your eye again.

• Keep your motivations current. If a phrase that once inspired you has lost its power, replace it with a new affirmation that means something to you now.

• Put up posters of your heroes or others who have persevered in the face of long-term challenges.

• Read books and articles about others who have overcome or continue to deal with great difficulties over a long period of time.

• Encourage a trusted friend to help keep you motivated. Give that friend permission to be totally honest with you.