When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Someone who is constantly changing and evolving into a better, healthier person? Or someone who is stuck in a rut, or worse, going downhill? The way you see yourself isn’t just an emotional feeling. It’s one key to losing weight and keeping it off.

If you see yourself as unhealthy and unable to exercise and eat the right foods, guess what? You will become exactly that and never rise above that self-fulfilling prophecy. On the other hand, if you can believe you can change your exercise and eating habits, you will be successful in weight loss.

Maybe you’ve grown up with thoughts like, “I’ll always be fat,” or “I’ll never look like her.” Now is the time to ignore those negative inner voices and replace them with “I can look and feel better” and “I am in control of my appearance and health.” Losing weight doesn’t have to be out of reach. Here are three ways to tap into the strength of positive thinking:

1. Surround yourself with positive influences that reinforce the message, “You can do it!” Ask a friend to keep you accountable and encourage you along the way. Listen to motivation podcasts and CDs. Read health books and fitness magazines to give you daily encouragement.

2. Find a picture in a magazine of your goal body. Put your head on the body and picture yourself at that weight. Look at the picture every day, visualizing yourself with your new and improved body.

3. Write out positive affirmations to combat negative tendencies. Statements like “I can eat healthy and choose fruits and vegetables over sugary snacks” or “My body is beautiful, created to be healthy.” Read these affirmations aloud at least once a day.

With hope and a positive attitude, weight loss is inevitable. Put systems in place to help you eat healthier and exercise, and it will be just a matter of time before you’re enjoying life in your new body.

Today’s Action Step: What specific thing will you do to have a more positive attitude about weight loss?

Article by: Arlene Pellicane, mother of a toddler and infant, helps women lose their baby weight and thrive as wives and mothers. Her weekly podcast “Losing Weight After Baby” is full of practical ideas that work for busy moms. An everyday mom herself, you can visit Arlene’s website for free articles and exercises or blog.