I need to brag on myself for a minute.

[Towlie]

39. Here's a better way to do the math:

I accomplished a large weight loss myself but I didn't motivate myself with simple arithmetic, I oped for higher math. I kept track of my daily weight and calculated the derivative. That is, the rate of my weight change with respect to time. I set a realistic goal of reaching my desired weight by a certain calendar date and I made sure at all times that my weight-loss rate was going to get me there.

My advice is don't play around with addition and subtraction, and don't allow yourself to interpret "not as overweight as I used to be" as success, because it's not. Success is achieving your proper weight and then adopting a life-style that keeps you there. Start calculating the ratio of your weight change to time elapsed, and as long it's a negative number you at least know you're going in the right direction and if you keep it up, you're going to get there sooner or later.