There’s one thing I know for sure…to lose weight and keep it off, you need to make lifestyle changes that you can live with for the rest of your life. This isn’t a switch you turn on or off – like going on a crash diet for 6 weeks, losing weight, and then going back to your old routine. Whatever habits have gotten you to where you are today are going to keep you there unless you change them for good.

Whenever I face a big challenge, I like to start by breaking it down into small, doable steps. A couple years ago, I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. Thinking about reaching the top was both incredibly motivating and a bit daunting. But no one climbs a mountain in one giant leap. I had moments when I didn’t feel 100 percent and I had to focus solely on putting one foot in front of the other, wrapping as much positive energy as I could around each step, bringing me closer and closer to my goal. And all those little steps added up!

Anytime you’re trying to reach a goal, chances are good that at some point, you’ll feel frustrated with where you are – or where you aren’t…yet. In those moments, keep these 3 pointers in mind…

1 – Think inside out.

Don’t forget too that as you make slight shifts in your life, a tremendous amount of invisible activity goes on inside your body. If you’re trying to lose weight and get into shape, you may not see results as quickly as you want on the outside of your body, yet you are retraining your body’s metabolic pathways to more efficiently metabolize food and burn fat. You are changing your body on both a cellular and hormonal level. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t stay laser-focused on a busy day when life gets in your way of healthy eating. Just stay centered on the positive: You are exercising most days of the week now and you are eating in a way that is good for your body. One day won’t set you back in the grand scheme of things. Remind yourself that you are still moving forward.

2- Put success on the schedule

Find concrete adjustments that you can build into your weekly routine that will contribute to your success. Call friends to schedule workout dates, whether it’s taking your favorite salsa class or meeting at the gym for a resistance training session. Or, sync my workout calendar on your phone, so you can receive regular reminders to workout (plus, I’ll send you workout videos, moves, and more 🙂 Do your grocery shopping on Sundays to stock your fridge so you’re ready for the week. And throughout your week, whenever possible, get outdoors – for a hike, a walk on the beach, or a jog around the neighborhood – you’ll be surprised what a little fresh air can do for your sense of well-being, and anything that increases physical activity on a regular basis is a gift to yourself.

3 – Think big.

We all get sidetracked once in a while. That’s OK. We become frustrated by the little stuff – like fitting into a certain dress size or seeing a specific number on the scale – and forget to consider the larger picture. Stay focused and remember the vision you have for yourself – to be healthier, more vibrant, and more energized, in a way that you can sustain for life. When we move from having a constant microscope on ourselves to appreciate a broader perspective, we can usher in a passionate attitude that has the effect of weakening our fixation on the negative.

Remember that we can focus too much on the goal–the outcome we want–rather than the process of achieving that goal. In life, just as in my climb to the top of Kilimanjaro, sometimes it’s about putting one foot in front of the other to get to the finish line. Forget the finish line – focus your energy and strength into taking those single steps forward. You’ll discover new things about yourself and find a new level of appreciation for life. You’ll unearth a deeper sense of purpose that really has nothing to do with the goal – the truth is that it’s all about the journey.

The Best Weight Loss Plan Starts Here! Join the 2-Week New You Kickoff!

Start Feeling Happier And Healthier Today! The Kickoff Includes…

• Daily workouts to get your body back in shape. From videos to audio workouts, from walking to strength training to barre, your workout will be delivered bright and early to your email every morning. And, your first workout will arrive Monday! The average workout time is 30 mins. But, I’ve thrown in a few quick 10-minute routines on recovery days!

• Step-by-step weekly shopping lists to show you how easy food-planning really is!

• Think about these emails as delivering a message that you can absorb TODAY. It’s not about counting the days—or the changes you make, but about making changes that count.