Once you have been gut-level honest and realize you must make changes, you are ready to take action. Research shows that normally this phase of taking “small steps toward weight loss and recognition of what works” is easier than the first step. To successfully enter this phase, you must have a mind-set that lifestyle changes are in order if permanent weight loss is to occur.

According to research, big problems get solved using little steps. Rather than focusing on an immediate need-to lose a lot of weight for a 20-year high-school reunion, for instance-focus on the little steps that will get you there. For example, simply reducing fat and sugar from your diet can drastically reduce caloric intake, resulting in weight loss. And, daily aerobic activity will help burn more calories, increase muscle tissue and boost your metabolism. These are little steps that result in a “win” on the road to victory.

Big problems can be solved with small steps for a number of reasons–one is that the goal becomes attainable in our minds if it only requires a small adjustment. Another reason is that accomplishing each step brings with it a sense of considerable reward .

Thirdly, a small failure is easier to cope with than a big failure. Lastly, when a person knows he or she has the ability to win, confidence is gained. Typical diet programs claim and emphasize the BIG wins. Perhaps that is why typical diet programs have a 95 percent failure rate.

In addition to small goal setting, people who successfully lose weight are reported to be willing to experiment with new ideas that might help them achieve their goals.

So here’s an idea for you that may be new: Begin “doing the dos” of what God has said is good. In other words, concentrate on the things that “do” help with weight loss. I believe if you do what is right, the don‘ts will eventually fall by the wayside.

For instance, drinking six to eight glasses of water, eating two to three servings of fruit and three to seven servings of vegetables a day may be an ultimate goal-but that is not the place to start. It would be too overwhelming. So if you are drinking two glasses of water a day, bump it up to four glasses. If you are only eating one piece of fruit a day, make it two and add a vegetable serving. As you take one step at a time to do something that you are not already doing, you will be one step closer to developing a lifestyle of fitness.

The same principle applies with exercise. If you are not exercising now, begin walking for 15 minutes a day. If you are walking 30 minutes twice a week, add 30 minutes to your weekly walks. I’m sure you get the idea.

Gradually increase the “dos,” and watch the “don’ts” disappear. While you are in the process of attaining your weight-loss goals, you can stay encouraged by remembering the scripture that says, “Let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing”

(James 1 :4). Make small adjustments and be patient, recognizing you are headed toward perfection! Next:  Phase 3:  Success.