Writing switches on the part of your brain (called the reticular activating system, or RAS) that keeps important messages in mind, ready for you to act on them when prompted. When you're aware, even subconsciously, of a weight loss intention, you're more likely to pass up the eclair and go for a bike ride, for example. Keep a small notebook handy, and jot down whatever comes to mind. Here are two ideas:

Your reasons to lose weight ("to gain energy and self-confidence"), which are good motivators and doable even if you don't trim down.

Your worries ("Will exercise take time away from my family?"), which force you to confront and resolve them before they sabotage your efforts. [source]

Writing it down is a fantastic idea. I think it'll also work well when it comes to physical things, like the FFYFC. How about we do a little group experiment? I usually take weekends off from blogging, but I'll make an exception for this project.

Every Sunday for the duration of the FFYFC, I'll post an entry writing these two things,

- I will lose 1lb and
- I will walk XX miles/minutes in the challenge.

Leave a reply in the comments stating that you too will lose 1lb and walk xx miles/minutes of the challenge (depending on the level you do) and well see how it goes.

The caveat? You can only commit to losing 1lb, no Biggest Loser type pledges like, “I’m gonna lose 10lbs this week!! [insert Howard Dean scream]”……cute but not here.

So those two things, every Sunday for 10 weeks. No need to reveal your current weight and if you lose more great! I’m more interested to see what the power of written word will have on us for that period of time.