As you pursue your weight loss goals, you may spend much of your time looking for new exercise opportunities or ways to shake up your current routine. After all, keeping it fun is the secret to staying on track.

But most people become so engrossed in diet plans and exercise schedules that they forget one very important exercise. And then, because they haven’t taken this important step toward overall health, they may experience a serious setback any time an injury, life event, or other conflict throws them a curve ball.

If you want to stay on track toward your weight loss goals, it’s important to perform this one very important mental exercise: Every day, you should be working toward a more positive attitude.

It doesn’t burn calories, but this exercise will help you achieve your goals. Take a few moments with a pen and paper (yes, writing things down is more powerful than simply thinking them). Envision a difficult event or setback that you have recently experienced. Perhaps it was an injury, a personal tragedy, or some other circumstance that could take the focus off of your healthy living priorities.

Now, ask yourself: What are ten positive things that came out of this situation?

Yes, it can be difficult to come up with ten, or even five, positive results of a bad situation. Some of your answers may even seem corny, as though you’re just faking it. You might find yourself saying things like, “I’m still alive” or “Something even worse could have happened”. But the point is to find gratitude in every moment, and to change your mode of thinking from negative to positive.

Why is this important? People who have a positive attitude are more likely to stick with their goals, even in the face of adversity. Problems are inevitable. You are going to experience events that tempt you to cheat on your diet, skip your exercise routine, or even stay in bed all day. But those with a positive attitude are more likely to remain steadfast on their weight loss path.

At first, this exercise will feel a bit goofy and contrived. But practice it once or twice a week, and you will begin to realize a gradual shift in your attitude toward weight loss, and toward life in general!

Contact our office if you’d like more information about any of our medical weight loss programs.