You can look and feel healthy, take years off your appearance and have the energy and vitality to accomplish your dreams, by following a few simple guidelines.

Some of the greatest accomplishments in life begin by taking one small step at a time. When we are challenged to think deeply, encouraged by others to succeed, and ultimately inspired to take action, great things start to happen!

If you have important weight loss goals you are not achieving, try to spend less time worrying about all the possible “causes” and start concentrating on how you can make progress.

This is one of the keys to moving forward and a simple, but powerful tool for success.

Awareness is the key, so take some time to learn about your specific dietary needs (caloric intake) and daily energy requirements for example. We’re talking a basic understanding here, and not having to go into any great detail.

Don’t believe everything you hear! There are thousands of diet “scams” on the market. When you find a trusted source, ask as many questions as you can about diet and exercise. Find out what has worked for others. But always be on-guard for the “quick fix” approach…it won’t work in the majority of cases.

About 85% of our “happiness” and well-being is determined by the quality of our relationships with other people. Loving, caring relationships and a network of friends, family, and colleagues lowers stress, increases longevity, and helps us to accomplish our goals in life (including losing weight).

We are social creatures and we do our best when we have friends to cheer us on, offer support, give advice, and hold us accountable when necessary. This makes it easy for us to succeed.

So, surround yourself with people, tools and activities that make it more likely for you to succeed than to fail! Arrange your living environment and social situations so that every thing around you pulls you forward, instead of possibly leaving you totally de- motivated.

Read motivational tips, general health information and any other literature you can get your hands-on. Information is power!

There you have it. So you can get started today, and make sure your whole approach is controlled, rational and methodical. If you can take the “long term view,” and set yourself realistic “achievable” goals you will most surely succeed.