In today's society, weight loss has become a commonplace concept. If you flip open a magazine or search the web, you are bound to find some sort of weight loss fad or diet trick. From herbal teas, protein shakes, to cutting down carbs, and eating specially pre-packaged foods, there seems to be an endless stream of tips for losing weight. Many people want to lose weight but even though there is a wealth of knowledge and tools around them, a lot of people find it impossible to actually lose weight; it seems like they just cannot lose weight even if they try a new system or program. Luckily, there are two big tools for weight loss that I have found, from personal experience, have yet to fail when it comes to weight loss. These two secrets seem simple on the surface, but they require a lot of time and devotion.

The two biggest tools for losing weight are motivation and persistence.

I know what you are thinking. "Motivation and persistence?! That's it? That seems awfully vague and just a cop-out for a real weight loss solution!" I know where you are coming from because I used to think the same exact thing. However, even if it seems redundant or too simple, motivation and persistence really are too of your biggest tools for losing weight.

Motivation is such an integral part of losing weight. It seems really plain on the surface, but motivation is such a driving force for your weight loss. It is easy to say that you are going to lose weight, anyone can do this. However, it is another thing entirely to say that you want to lose weight and you have a purpose for doing so. Just think of it this way: as people, we find motivations for most things we do in life. For example, we stick to hard and tough jobs because we earn a paycheck and we get into relationships because we desire companionship. When there is a benefit or reason for doing an activity, one is more willing to see it through. That is why motivation is so important for weight loss.

However, when you have a motivation, you have to make sure it is healthy and safe. Your motivation should come from a positive and personal place, not from some sort of outside influence. Healthy motivations can be for health, for your own emotional or mental wellbeing, or even for a longer life. You shouldn't force yourself to lose weight because it is what fashion and society claim are "in" or because another person deems it unattractive. It is important to have the motivation, but make sure your motivation is coming from a healthy place.

Persistence is equally important when it comes to losing weight. As people, we hate the feeling of being discouraged and we do all we can to avoid disappointment. I think that's one reason that people stop trying to lose weight. However, the important things to remember about losing weight is that it isn't a linear activity. Weight loss isn't a straight and clear path, it is a journey. On a truly great adventure with a sword-brandishing hero, victory isn't just handed over easily. No, there are trials and tribulations; there are good times and bad times. However, the hero doesn't give up in their quest and you shouldn't give up on your weight loss adventure. If you are persistent, you can achieve your goal.

No matter what healthy method you are using to lose weight, if you remember the tools of motivation and persistence, you can lose weight and gain life skills that will last you a lifetime.