Step 7: Surround yourself with support

“You can’t do it all yourself. Don’t be afraid to rely on others to help you accomplish your goals.” ~Oprah Winfrey

Recruit your support team

Identify who can and will support you.

Examples:

• Family and friends
• Co-workers
• Group support
• Online support

Once you’ve identified who will support you, share your goal, start date, and your plans with them.

It’s common to keep plans secret for fear of what others may say. Take the risk and share your plan.

Ask for help

Let your support team know how they can they help you achieve your goal.

Examples:

• Ask your co-worker if she will hold you accountable each Monday for your exercise.
• Ask your husband if he will pack the kids’ lunches Monday and Wednesday morning so you can spend time exercising.

Create a supportive environment

Add reminders of your new behavior and remove reminders of your old behavior.

Examples:

• Keep your walking shoes by your alarm clock to remind yourself of your morning walk on the treadmill.
• Remove the magazines from your bedroom that keep you up late at night.

It’s also important to be your own support during your journey to permanent weight loss. Be nice to yourself; talk to yourself as though you were talking to your best friend.

Beating yourself up won’t get you anywhere.

Next Step
Step 8: Set up a reward system

1-Minute Weight Loss is a program that will help you gradually add movement to things you already do in a way that is easy, realistic, and convenient. Learn more...

Permanent Weight Loss 101 is a 10 step program that will help you achieve permanent weight loss the only way that works. Set small and effective goals, develop a solid plan to achieve your goals, and create the motivation necessary to stick with your plan. Learn more...