Even with the right mindset powering you up, temptation of laziness, lack of motivation, chocolate, nachos or whatever else it may be in your case...might still visit you once in a while. What makes it easier to stick with it is creating a habit.

2 days a week at the gym won’t create a habit, 5 days of intense physical activity – will. 2 weeks of exercise will not create a habit, 20 weeks of consistent training – will.

What is habit? It is the point at which you do not need to motivate yourself or evaluate the situation, it is where the decision to do (or not to do) something happens on a subconscious and even instinctive level. It becomes a neurological response rather than psychological.

It is difficult if not impossible to re-create an instinctive response without breaking the undesirable pattern. "Cold turkey" approach is not as evil as it is often made out to be, as long as you provide an alternative substitute for your system.

If chocolate is your vice, you can cut down on it gradually but it will be more difficult to break the pattern/old habit than if you remove it completely until the habit is broken, at which point it can be re-introduced in moderation without a habitual string.

To create a new habit, you literally need to come up with an "instant gratification list" which gives you an alternative way to satisfy your senses and feel good without relying on your past negative pattern or your vice.

Most importantly, whatever you may be challenged with, always remember that external motivation (or de-motivation) is temporary and much less poignant than the power lying within yourself. It is up to you to change your life for the better. And if you don’t know where to start, call me for guidance and inspiration.