Weight loss isn’t about will power. It’s about having a sense of urgency and believing in yourself.

I’m reading Weight Loss Boss by David Kirchhoff, CEO of Weight Watchers (review coming soon!) and ran across an interesting factoid about the two common attributes of people who successfully lost weight.

According to Weight Watchers’ own research, regardless of weight loss program, those who were successful:

1. Had a sense of urgency (weight loss was a top priority)
2. Believed in themselves and in their ability to stick with their plan

That spoke to me.

I’ve tried losing weight for the last 25 years. My latest weight loss journey is successful because I was in a good place, mentally.

My horrendous physical gave me the sense of urgency I needed (point 1). While I never view fear as a “good place” to be, it was the swift kick in my size 28 pants that I needed.

And once I stopped dieting and focused on changing my life, I knew I’d succeed (point 2). Sure the weight was coming off, but it had done that before — only to come back with abandon. Once I read Why We Get Fat, my path became clear, and I just knew in my shrinking gut that this time I’d drop those hated pounds and finally get healthy.

If you’re trying to lose weight but it’s not a priority (remember, just saying it’s a priority doesn’t make it so), you might lose a few pounds. But, down the road, you’ll find them again and a few of their friends, too. I know I did.

On the other hand, if the urgency is there, you’re less likely to give up in moments of self-doubt. Believing in yourself may take time. It took me about 3 months after my doctor’s visit to find the right tools and plan (low carb variation of Weight Watchers) that gave me the confidence and belief that I could do it.  It really is about finding your groove.

Do you have what it takes to lose weight?

Yeah. You do.