You’ve done it- you made the decision to get moving on that diet or exercise program. It feels great to be so motivated. But soon you find that "you’ve lost that loving feeling" for sticking with it. This seems to be the problem that keeps all of us from succeeding. In the beginning we feel motivated but we just can’t seem to hold on to it. We are motivated early on because the behavior- diet, exercise, saving money is new; it catches our attention. The problem is that the novelty wears off before it’s become a habit. So you need to boost motivation levels just a bit every now and then.

Here's what to do:
1. When the motivation slips grab a sheet of paper and list out the pros and cons of sticking with the behavior and answer the question: if I don’t stick with it- what will my health be like five years from now?
2. Take a scheduled break—stop the activity for a couple of days with a written promise to get back on track
3. Change the activity—if it’s exercise—try a new routine- if it’s a diet, try a new meal
These strategies won’t make the motivation skyrocket – but it will keep it going. Think of it like a tank of gas in your car. You don’t need to have a full tank to operate the car. As long as you keep your motivation levels higher than empty you will be fine.