So you have decided the time is right to finally lose some weight and get in shape. Great! But before you get started, it would be a good idea to take a look at the challenges you face to make sure you don't fail before you begin.

Your chances of achieving long-term good health are greatly increased if you avoid these three common pitfalls:

1. Dieters look for shortcuts and quick fixes.

The multi-billion dollar weight-loss industry preys on desperation. They give us exactly what we seek in the form of "fat blasting" pills and potions, miracle exercise gadgets and secret diets. Be tempted but don't be fooled. Even if some guru's diet plan could get super-fast results, how long will you be able you eat that way? Have you considered what happens when eventually, you go off the diet? Can you pop those pills forever? What is your "Plan B"?

The concept of dieting and all it entails is terribly negative and actually undermines your motivation to get lean and strong. Here is what happens with the typical diet:

You don't enjoy eating satisfaction and are tempted to binge. You suffer more stress instead of learning to reduce stress. A lowered metabolism makes it even harder to lose weight. When your weight loss "plateaus" you won't know what to do. It's easy to become disillusioned and depressed and give up. Someday you will have to get off the diet. Then what?

The only "diet" that works for a lifetime is a "non-diet" which teaches you how to choose wisely from a wide variety of nutrient rich foods and also allows for those special treats you love. This method may be slow and steady but it will get the job done and the results are more likely to be permanent.

2. Dieters obsess about the details of the diet.

Have you tried the South Sea Seaweed Diet? How about the Low-Carb Fudge Diet? Try the "If I don't eat anything else, I'll have enough points saved up for this Frappuccino Grande diet." Doesn't calcium promote weight loss?

Total reliance on "the diet" is a misguided approach because it fails to recognize a bigger problem. Overweight is not the fundamental issue. It is just one symptom of an underlying condition of habits, behaviors and poor attitudes toward living that contribute to a whole array of health problems.

It is virtually impossible to stick with a diet when there are other factors present that contribute to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. This means you must consider the big picture. You have to recognize the underlying causes in order to alleviate the symptom.

Answer these questions:

Do I often eat for reasons other than hunger? Are there certain foods that "I just can't live without"? Am I a physically active person? Am I basically content with my life? What else is going on that causes me stress? Am I in control of my daily schedule? Am I open to personal changes and new ideas?

You can get assistance in designing a reasonable nutrition plan that allows flexibility and eating enjoyment. But, successfully adopting a new lifestyle for the long haul means you must address all that "stuff" in life that makes it so difficult to stay focused and motivated.

This doesn't necessarily mean that you have to "fix" all your problems today. Recognizing your situation and committing to make improvements is an act that empowers, and is the first step to long-term success.

3. Dieters begin with no clear plan of action.

We often take more time planning our vacations than we do our lives. So, to simply go on a diet is a common "plan of attack". We do this with no written goals, no means of evaluating progress, no support and no advance strategies for dealing with obstacles and setbacks.

Determination is a good beginning but it quickly disintegrates without the structure of a sound plan. Changing your lifestyle is serious business and takes some focused effort. You are not going to survive by just "winging it", making up diet rules as you go along.

Give this task the same time and planning that you would an important project at work. Begin by creating a journal and put all of your plans in writing and record your progress on a daily basis.

Set specific goals and write them down Create a plan and a timetable and put it in writing. Identify your strengths and weaknesses. Identify stressors. Make plans to deal with them. Recruit allies as a support system. Simplify your life; manage and schedule your time. Set up a system to measure results. Plan to reward your success. Know how to deal with that difficult "post diet" period.

Knowledge and planning is power. Now that you are aware of what you need to do, take it slowly. Make a plan. Get some support. Exercise patience and persistence. In time you will be one of the few who did it!

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