These fit people make it seem so easy to achieve and maintain results-what do they have that you don't? It all boils down to one simple thing.

The only thing standing between you and your perfect body is: motivation.

Yes, motivation is truly the magic ingredient that will transform your body from the one that you have now to the one of your dreams. So what is motivation, anyway?

Motivation is... ...a want, a need and a belief that drives you. ...the push of your mental forces to accomplish an action. ...something that makes you do what you do. ...the desire to accomplish a goal. ...something that pushes and pulls you to do certain things.

It's easy to see how motivation can change a person's life-and body. If you could bottle and sell motivation you would easily make a fortune. But, alas, motivation is something that must be mustered up out of pure will power.

So where does this leave you? In the past your attempts to get in shape have been short lived. How can you stick with it long enough to see the results that you so desperately want?

I have exciting news for you. Motivation can become as natural and easy to you as breathing. Here's how.

Step one: Find your reason.

Why do you want to get fit?

What is your most important reason for wanting to lose the weight?

Now, don't tell me that you simply want to 'Look better' or 'Be more attractive.'

You need to dig deeper than that. Take a minute to mull this question over until you can put your finger on it.

Hint: these would all be great answers...

I want to fit into my size 6 pants again

I want to get off my blood pressure medication

I want to drop 20 pounds before the reunion

I want to get rid of the jiggle on the back of my arms

I want my significant other to find me irresistible

Step two: Write it down.

Take your reason from step one and write it down. This is very important step, so don't cheat yourself by skipping it. Now take the paper with your reason on it and post it where you will see it everyday-preferably first thing in the morning.

Why is writing down your reason so important?

Because it keeps your focus on the goal.

You see, your reason for getting fit is really your ultimate goal. Only by daily acknowledging this goal will you see it to fruition.

Step three: Make It Fun!

Who wants to do something unpleasant on a daily basis?

I don't know about you but I tend to avoid activities that are not enjoyable or fun.

If the thought of exercise makes you cringe you need to figure out why.

Is it the uncomfortable workout clothes that you own?

Maybe it is time for a new style.

Is it trying to decide what machine to use at the gym?

Maybe it is time for a personal trainer.

Is it the pain that you feel in your shoulder when swimming?

Maybe it is time to find a new form of cardiovascular exercise-one that won't aggravate your injury.

The truth is that there are a ton of different exercises that will give you the results you want.

Don't like the gym? There's a program for you.

Don't like running? There is an alternative.

Don't have the time? There are time friendly exercise routines that will give you incredible results in under an hour.

It is all about finding something that you enjoy.

Step four: Enlist support.

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Even though Helen Keller probably wasn't talking about getting fit, her words ring true for anyone wanting to achieve incredible results.

Let's be honest, it's hard to stay motivated without encouragement from the people around us. That's why it's so important to tell friends and family about your goal and to rally for their support. Sometimes one encouraging word will give you the strength you need to make it through another workout.