I've lost 47 pounds in 3 ½ months. Everybody says I look great! And I feel great! I'm off my high blood pressure medication and I'm able to finish my shift at work without my feet bugging me anymore. But, I can't figure out why I'm stuck! I just can't seem to recoup my focus and get off this last 18 pounds.

When we make any lifestyle change, it's important to occasionally step back and acknowledge the gains already made. Some support groups call this an attitude of gratitude. We can be grateful for making the decision and following through with signing up for the Weight Management Program, for the weight we've already lost and for receiving the information we need to continue the process. We can be grateful for the support from family, co-workers, friends and people we've met in group. We can be grateful for the new choices we are making regarding our eating and exercise habits.

On a piece of paper, list five things are you are grateful for.

While it's important to pause and reflect on the gains we've already made, there is another slogan that is apropos: "The good is the enemy of the best." This means that while we're satisfied with the progress we're making, we don't want to lapse into complacency and lose the motivation we have tries so hard to build. With that in mind, can you think of five goals you would like to achieve in the next three months?

For more information on goal setting and checking to see if your goals are realistic, check out the module Great Goal Setting.

Great Goal Setting © 2002 Novartis Nutrition Corporation