Year after year, weight loss ranks high on our New Year’s Resolution lists and yet by March, so many of us have given up. This Lent presents another opportunity to start a fresh regime, and you can be a part of the exclusive group of people who will succeed by learning why so many others fail. Here are some of the reasons:

Poor and unrealistic goal setting:

Many people who want to lose weight, set goals that are truly unattainable, such as losing 10 pounds in a week, and as a result, fail quite rapidly. Make sure your goals are realistic for you, based on your current situation and any limitations you may have. Create both short and long-term S.M.A.R.T. goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. Simply stating that you want to “lose weight,” or that you want to “lose 20 pounds,” isn't practical goal setting. By creating good and realistic goals, you are taking the first important step towards your success. Make sure to write them all down and put them up somewhere that you will see them daily.

Failure to plan:

Winston Churchill said it best: “He who fails to plan is planning to fail.” No matter how much you want to lose weight and no matter how much you keep telling yourself that you will make the effort, you still need to plan it all out. Sit down and figure out how you can incorporate exercise and healthy eating into your busy schedule without leaving room for any excuses. Write down your exercise program for at least 4 weeks, if not longer, in advance and post it up somewhere where you will be reminded of it daily (i.e. on your fridge). Make your fitness goals as much of a priority in your life as your job and family. When people write down their plan, they are more likely to stay committed to it and thus, more likely to succeed.

Small barriers and obstacles:

Losing weight is not easy, but the rewards are plentiful. Often when people encounter small obstacles along their journey towards weight loss, they get discouraged and give up. When people hit plateaus, when they give in to temptation and when they miss a workout, they often allow these small bumps in the road to become an excuse to quit. If you are serious about your weight loss, you will shrug these obstacles off and find out what you can do to avoid them again. Be persistent, dedicated and seriously committed and there is no way you can fail. Realise that everyone, even the fittest of people, encounter problems with weight loss and take it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Lack of knowledge:

People often fail to lose weight because they simply do not know how to. While many people think they know the most effective way to lose weight, only a small percentage of people actually do. A lack of knowledge may result in a lack of results, which usually leads to discouragement and failure. A complete exercise program will consist of cardio, flexibility and strength training. A healthy diet may depend on the particular needs of the individual in relation to their goals and medical condition. Generally speaking, however, if you are trying to lose weight, you may need to cut back 500 calories a day from your regular caloric intake.