I Can’t Lose Weight! Nothing Works!

Q Hi Scott, I have been doing everything I know of to lose weight. Nothing works. I can’t lose a pound to save my life. Help!

A I’m going to offer support, but I’m not sure it will be what you want. It will, however, be what you need.

I hear “nothing works” and “I can’t.” Well, whatever you tell yourself is going to happen will likely happen. Sure, you can’t just think thin and lose weight. But keeping a positive outlook is just as important as your workouts and the foods you eat. A positive mindset will allow you to push harder during workouts and help you choose the right food. Here are three tips to help you stay positive:

1 Wake up a bit earlier than normal and take a few minutes to read or think or just relax. This is the time to set your attitude for the day, so stay away from things like news and politics or anything else that might set a negative tone.

2 Be like Stuart Smalley, a character from the ’90s in Saturday Night Live. He was famous for looking in the mirror and telling himself, “I am good enough, I am smart enough and gosh darnit, people like me!” Seriously: Look in the mirror and tell yourself three awesome things about you. This will help you set the tone for how you think about yourself, and that should always be positive.

3 Think positively about your goals. Remember the Little Engine that Could? He only made it up that mountain because he talked himself into it. Now it is your turn. “I know I can, I am going to, I will conquer this.” You choose the lines but make sure they’re positive.

Now go out there and start over. Everyone deserves another chance, so don’t be hard on yourself about what didn’t happen. Look forward and positively push yourself to reach your goals.