The Psychology of Weight Loss: Part 4 – The Power of Praise!

Your success in sticking with an exercise and weight loss
program may just come down to you asking for help – unless pride
gets in your way. The key to longevity is surrounding yourself
with people who will give you support followed up by
accountability.

“A good team is one that has quality support, honest
encouragement, and requires personal responsibility.” From my e
book The “A” Factor

Your Inner Circle

“You can tell a lot about a person by the friends they keep.”
This is a very true statement. Let me say this first. Many
decisions in life have strings attached to them. Strings
sometimes make it virtually impossible to accomplish any goal.
However, it is important to be aware of who influences you the
most. Usually there are two types of people around you:

Toxic, negative, pessimistic people Non-toxic, encouraging
support people.

Negative, Pessimistic People: Toxic

You usually know these people. After being around them you feel
physically and mentally drained. Toxic people are envious,
cynical, and pessimistic by nature. If you try to get support
and encouragement from this type of person, all you’re going to
get is frustrated. If possible, don’t spend much time with them.

Positive, Optimistic People: Non-Toxic

On the other hand, if you are around those who are honest and
encouraging, you become a reservoir of energy. Depending on how
important change is to you, the choice of changing friends and
certain relationships may be necessary. In other words, if you
want to know about yourself, just look at the types of friends
you have.

EnCOURAGEment

The most effective accountability systems I know are those that
stress encouragement, accompanied by direct responsibility.
Encouragement and support can come form different directions. In
most cases, you’re influenced by those with whom you most
associate and those you most value in your life. The more you’re
positively reinforced, the more fulfilling the journey will be
and the more memorable. It takes courage to take this step and
if you make it, you should be applauded.

Responsibility

Even though you can’t succeed alone, you still have to take some
responsibility in your health and goals. Part of being
responsible is sharing goals with close friends and support
people. Take some pride in what you want to do. Take what you’re
doing seriously. If you don’t have your health, what do you
have?

1. Prev:The Psychology of Weight Loss: Part 3 – Lose the hang ups!
2. Next:The Psychology of Weight Loss: Part 6 – It’s not about Numbers!