With 70 percent of the American population overweight or obese it shouldn’t come as any surprise that countless people want to improve their health and lose weight — particularly since January is here.

Obviously, changes need to be made regarding diet and exercise, but one area that is often overlooked is a person’s mindset. Believing, ultimately, can make or break one’s success. Henry Ford said it best: “If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”

In other words, the battle is won or lost long before you even set foot in the gym.

But it’s also more than just belief; there also needs to be a shift toward a mindset of “positive outcome.” In other words, focusing on what is desired opposed to what is undesired. Author Esther Hicks puts it like this, “The way to get to where you want to be is to give your full attention to what you do want, not to give your attention to what you do not want.”

Most of us overly examine what we dislike about our bodies or physical health, which only perpetuates the problem. Subconsciously we continue to program the same thoughts and actions that got us here in the first place.

For true change there needs to be a paradigm shift. In other words, you need to “Believe it before you see it.”

Now, I realize we live in a society of “seeing is believing,” but if you take a moment to reflect on everything that has changed in the world throughout your lifetime, you may recall a time when we didn’t have cellphones, Internet, iPads, etc. Bottom line: People have the power of imagination, vision and the ability to believe it before they see it! The same principle applies when it comes to our bodies and physical health. The body will go only as far as your mind will allow.

Here are three effective action steps to help shift your focus and put you in a position to achieve the body, health and life you desire:

WRITE DOWN YOUR GOALS

The power of goal-setting is remarkable. A study was conducted on students in the 1979 Harvard MBA program regarding goal-setting. In that year, the students were asked, “How many of you have set clear, written goals for your future and made plans to accomplish them?” Only 3 percent of the graduates had written goals and plans. Ten years later, the members of the class were interviewed again. Of the 3 percent who had clear written goals, they were earning on average 10 times as much as the other 97 percent combined!

This same process works when it comes to fitness or weight loss. By writing down your goals and reading them daily, it will put your subconscious mind to work and keep you on track to achieving what is important to you.

So, be specific, write it down and visualize it — you’ll be amazed at the results. The more specific the better, but remember to state your goals in a “what you want” manner. For example: “I want to lose 20 lbs in 6 months.” “I want to lower my blood pressure to 120/80 or less by next year.” “I want to run Robie Creek in 2013.” “I want to fit into my old swimsuit by June.” “I want to improve my flexibility so I will feel better.”

CREATE YOUR VISION

More specifically, create a vision board of what you want your life to look like. Find pictures of yourself when you were looking and feeling your best. Do you have fitness goals like running a marathon, competing in a triathlon? Maybe you want to take on new recreational hobbies like rock climbing or martial arts? Find images of these activities and put them on the board.

You could even go beyond fitness with your vision. Images of places you want to vacation, a certain vehicle you like, the amount of income or job you desire — the sky is the limit. This is a powerful tool. People are very visual and having an image to view daily with your goals will now put your subconscious into overdrive to achieving them. Try it — you’ll be amazed at how effective it is.

BOOST YOUR SUPPORT GROUP

Your support group should consist of individuals who provide feedback, constructive criticism and encouragement for one’s lifestyle choices. You are the average of the five people closest to you. How does your social support group look?

- Does your spouse/partner follow healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly, watching what he or she eats and taking nutritional supplements?

- At your workplace, do your co-workers regularly bring in treats like cookies, donuts and other snacks?

- If you go out to eat more than once per week, do the people you dine with order healthy selections?

- Do the people you live or work with schedule activities for you that interfere with your pre-established exercise time?

If most of your answers made you raise an eyebrow then you may need to align yourself with a stronger group. That’s not to say that you need to sever all ties in your existing relationships, but this area will need a definite boost.

Here are some methods you can use to strengthen your support:

- Encourage your friends, family and co-workers to join you in social events that compliment your goals (healthy dinners, physical challenges, group workouts).

- Join a network of individuals who work toward common goals. This can be a hiking/running group, a recreation sports league or fitness club.

- Consider hiring a professional. IDEA, the international health and fitness organization, found that 75 percent of individuals who work out aren’t getting the results they want. And of the 25 percent who were, 90 percent of them work with a personal trainer.

- And surround yourself with the positive. Post inspirational quotes throughout your work and home space, read self-improvement books, write daily affirmations and surround yourself with the positive people in your life who also want to see you succeed. Remember: Positive attracts more positive.

Want to change your life in 30 days? Then make a daily commitment to perform these three action steps. You will be amazed how much better you will look and feel. Everything will seem like it’s naturally falling into place. It’s your life! Take control, take action and become the person that you truly deserve to be.

Jason Wanlass, the owner of Champion Fitness Training in Meridian, has more than 15 years experience in the fitness industry. Contact him at championfit@live.com or www.championfit.net.