Self efficacy

Unlike efficacy (the ability to create an effect) or self seteem (your sense of self-worth) self-efficacy is your perception of your ability to reach a goal.

This trait is commonly seen in healthy people, as they are more likely to engage in good self-management when faced witha health challenge. Without it, people are more inclined to hopelessness.

One way to strengthen self-efficacy is to choose, and then accomplish, small goals that are easy to meet. Start with your target weight. People are often disappointed when they don`t lose 20 per cent of their weight, yet health gains are made at 5 to 7 per cent.

Try Ì will drink more water and less pop instead of I will lose 10 pounds.

Small changes are more longlasting that big ones. Change one meal, go from whole to 2 per cent milk, rather than commit to jogging 7 days a week. Success breeds self efficiency.