With New Years receding quickly into the background some dieters may be losing sight of their resolutions to drop pounds. Motivation can be the key to success for many. “I sit down with a client and discuss goals before starting any program.” says Matt Chauvin, a certified USA Triathlon Coach, “I try to get the client to be as realistic as possible and keep up motivation by concentrating on short term goals.”

Chauvin suggests focusing more on working out consistently rather than weight loss. This takes pressure off the dieter to drop pounds while achieving a goal they can easily reach. It is a great strategy for overcoming weight loss plateaus that are considered one of the most common reason for giving up a diet. Chauvin changes workout routines regularly to help avoid the dreaded plateaus and to keep his clients from getting bored.

While weight loss may be the ultimate goal, not all weight gain is bad. “It is also important to understand that the average person that starts an exercise program gains three to four pounds of muscle in the first month,” Chauvin warns. “This is what you want to do since muscle burns fat.”

In addition, TimeforFitness.com suggests staying motivated by using a partner. The theory being that it is harder to skip a workout when someone is depending on you to show up. Also, using a role model can elevate enthusiasm to help reach your goals by giving a point to aspire too. If you have gained weight over the years and have pictures of yourself in better shape, use them as a motivator. These pictures let you become your own role model.

Re-education can also help develop new skills that increase the probability of long term weight loss. Science changes over time and many new techniques make it easier for the average dieter. There are many more reasons to work on ones health. According to the Discovery Health Channel there are a mirage of problems attributed to being overweight. Some of these include heart disease, high blood pressure and as much 33 percent of all cancers.