Alexander Pope, poet, "An essay on criticism"In weight loss circles, it is understood that people talk themselves and act themselves into self-defeating life patterns.

For example, you may have fully convinced yourself that losing weight is too hard, too frightening, too much to give up.

So you put off starting just as long as you can.

But like the song you can't get out of your head, the extra weight continues to haunt you.

Delaying the process only increases your fear.

The task seems nearly impossible, so you continue the vicious cycle by avoiding.

Each time, you think about losing weight-how nice it would be to be thin, how nice it would be to have more energy, fit into your clothes, look and feel better-and each time, you stop yourself from starting.

The only way to overcome this negative pattern is to actively do what you are avoiding, without judging or criticizing.

In the process of losing weight, there are a lot of opportunities for turning back. The world is full of people who sabotage themselves and never "get to the finish line".

Here are 5 strategies to forward your momentum and let the dancing begin:

If you face the music, you usually get less rather than more wrenching pain and self-criticism. In fact, it can be exhilarating to finally face a task that has been draining your energy with each thought that occurs without action.

Writers and other creative people often wait for the perfect moment of inspiration to overtake them before beginning a project.

3. Move your feet.

Go to the gym, walk outside, or step onto a treadmill. Move your feet and see what happens. Maybe it will only last 5 minutes. But at least you are doing something and you don't have time to talk yourself out of it. This is a proven strategy that works for people who struggle with motivation and need to get going.

Write down a list of action steps (buy the foods you plan to use, work out an exercise schedule, etc).

Pick a small one (15 minutes or less) and do it today.

Make an agreement to be in motion for a short period each day no matter what. It can be as short as 5 minutes. Don't talk yourself out of it by making excuses such as "that will only be a drop in the bucket". You may get inspired to do more, but you don't have to.

You can quit after your committed amount of time with a clear conscience, or do more – your choice.