Pay attention to the feelings in your body as you think about being your best self. Where do you feel like your best self? Do you feel it in your stomach? Your heart or chest? Maybe in your head? Or perhaps somewhere else?

You should pay attention to how you feel when things seem right to you….when you feel like yourself. This is a good, comfortable feeling. It’s like when you put on a pair of shoes that fit just perfectly. You say, “Ah, these fit. These feel good.” We want to create these feelings for ourselves throughout the day as we engage in healthier habits.

Think about it. When you have a meal that is healthy, and just the right portion size, don’t you feel so much better? Doesn’t it sit well with you? On the contrary, think of when you eat unhealthy foods in too large a portion. Then you tend to feel awful and stuffed, and mentally you scold yourself and you don’t feel good.

Do things that make you feel like yourself.

When you are trying to lose weight, it’s very important to set actual goals for yourself.

Be specific when you create your goals. Don’t just say, “I’m going to eat healthier.” What on earth does that mean?

Instead, decide to makeover one meal for each day, such as lunches. If you buy fast food for lunch every day, make a commitment to packing your lunch instead. Over the weekend, go to the grocery store and buy the food that will allow you to prepare a healthy lunch for your work week ahead.

Decide what “healthy” means for you. Does it mean eating less carbs? Eating more fruits and vegetables? Not eating chips with your lunch? Drinking water instead of soda?

The more specific you can get with your weight loss plan, the easier it will be for you to follow it. If it is too general, it will feel overwhelming. Actually, it will be overwhelming because you won’t have any clear direction as to where to begin.

So, keep it simple and specific. And then go for it!

When you are feeling down and feel like you just can’t seem to get motivated, you’re just noticing the difference between where you are now, and where you want to be.

Getting motivated means connecting to your self instead being connected to feelings of boredom.

The first step is to be willing to unplug from the negative thoughts and start thinking about your desired outcome: being your best self.

Don’t focus on where you are right now. Focus on what you desire to be. See yourself and strive toward it!