Here’s a list of weight loss strategies that didn’t work for me: Mediterranean diet, running, fasting, weight loss bets, accountability systems, CICO, salads, low fat, high fat, meal prep, Ben and Jerry’s diet. The last one is not recommended by most doctors but I tried it anyway, no luck.

Here’s what did work for me: Writing “NO CANDY” on the back of my hands so each time I reached for an unhealthy snack I got an all caps reminder that it was a bad idea. 

Did I get weird looks at work? Absolutely. Did I look dumb? Without a shred of a doubt. Did it keep me from eating 15 Almond Butter Biscuits like I usually do when stressed? Hell yeah it did.

I realize there’s some people who work in professional environments where this tip isn’t practical. I just want to remind everyone that doing something that looks silly or dumb is worth it if it means reaching your goal. Some people sleep in their workout clothes so it’s easier to make themselves workout in the morning. Some people set up their computer to replace porn sites with pictures of sad puppies to break the addiction (I’m serious). Yeah these strategies are weird, but eccentricity is not a bad price to pay for real results.

What is the goal that you have been struggling to commit to for ages? What creative ways could you keep yourself on track if you didn’t care about looking cool? Go ahead and look dumb if it gets you where you want to go. You think I’ll care about how I used to write on my hands once I can fit into my tailored dress shirts again? Not even close. I promise you the finish line is worth it.