Your success in sticking with an exercise and weight loss program may just come down to you asking for help - unless pride gets in your way. The key to longevity is surrounding yourself with people who will give you support followed up by accountability.

"A good team is one that has quality support, honest encouragement, and requires personal responsibility." From my e book The "A" Factor

Your Inner Circle

"You can tell a lot about a person by the friends they keep." This is a very true statement. Let me say this first. Many decisions in life have strings attached to them. Strings sometimes make it virtually impossible to accomplish any goal. However, it is important to be aware of who influences you the most. Usually there are two types of people around you:

Toxic, negative, pessimistic people Non-toxic, encouraging support people.

Negative, Pessimistic People: Toxic

You usually know these people. After being around them you feel physically and mentally drained. Toxic people are envious, cynical, and pessimistic by nature. If you try to get support and encouragement from this type of person, all you're going to get is frustrated. If possible, don't spend much time with them.

Positive, Optimistic People: Non-Toxic

On the other hand, if you are around those who are honest and encouraging, you become a reservoir of energy. Depending on how important change is to you, the choice of changing friends and certain relationships may be necessary. In other words, if you want to know about yourself, just look at the types of friends you have.

EnCOURAGEment

The most effective accountability systems I know are those that stress encouragement, accompanied by direct responsibility. Encouragement and support can come form different directions. In most cases, you're influenced by those with whom you most associate and those you most value in your life. The more you're positively reinforced, the more fulfilling the journey will be and the more memorable. It takes courage to take this step and if you make it, you should be applauded.

Responsibility

Even though you can't succeed alone, you still have to take some responsibility in your health and goals. Part of being responsible is sharing goals with close friends and support people. Take some pride in what you want to do. Take what you're doing seriously. If you don't have your health, what do you have?
About the Author
Greg Ryan is a high profile fitness expert and former employee of Kathy Smiths. Body building champion, public speaker and personal trainer to the stars. He is a best selling author of the Changing from the INSIDE Start getting in better shape today! For FREE MINI COURES click here www.resolutions.bz