The truth is, Jedi mind-tricks actually work. Remember when Obi-wan-kenobe approaches the cantina with Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, he confronts imperial soldiers and tells them that "there is nothing to see here…move along" with a wave of the hand, and the soldiers repeat it back, falling victim to the power of suggestion in this "Jedi mind-trick". It seems like an impossible bit of magic, but in reality the power of suggestion is far more effective than you know.

You can use the power of suggestion on yourself to find success in basically any endeavor that you pursue. This is particularly effective if you’re venturing into uncharted territory and feel unsure about yourself. For instance, if you are struggling with weight loss, you need to change deeply rooted habits involving diet and exercise. These habits seem like they are "just who you are" and seem impossible to break. With the power of suggestion, your mind will actually believe otherwise and allow you to overcome the imaginary barriers that you place for yourself. Remember, if you think you can’t do something, you’re usually right.

You have to believe. Remember, if you think you can’t do something or if you think you can do something, you’re usually right in either case. Which one you decide to be right about will determine your outcome. Anything you set out doing, weight loss included, is almost always mental. If you decide this is the way you’re going to live, then be determined to live it. Each day you begin a set of ripples, a chain-reaction that expands and fills the rest of your day. These initial ripples can be negative, or they can be positive affirmations. You decide. When you get up in the morning, instead of telling yourself you’re fat, tell yourself instead: "Yes, I am. But I will be less fat this time next week. And I’m going to jog today."

For every negative thought that comes to you, be ready to counter that thought with a positive one. If a negative thought like, "Look at all that belly! That will never go away!" comes to you, you can counter that thought with, "That belly is here now, but it won’t always be. Excuse me, I have a date with a cycling class."

Your weight loss needs to be about making a mental turnaround if you want the weight loss to be permanent. Part of the reason many people gain back their lost weight is their mental outlook never changed. Change your perspective and you will change your life.

An effort to lose weight easily falters when you indulge in any kind of self-defeating talk. Self-loathing talk can sabotage your efforts and send you spiraling into an unhealthy cycle before you know it. "I’ll never lose weight. This jelly-belly will never go down. I’ll always be fat. I can never be skinny." This kind of thinking translates to overspending and overeating of cakes, cookies, potato chips, ice cream and other comfort foods. When you indulge in these kinds of treats too much, you gain weight, and the cycle begins again. In order to break this cycle, it is important to prepare. Instead of cutting off all sweets cold turkey, instead you should have a small indulgence every day. This will curb your appetite, and help you keep your weight loss goals. A new type of healthy chocolate comes in bite-sized portions and includes vitamins and added nutrients that are great for your overall health. This is a great way to make sure you stay on track, and provides that needed boost to help you keep your body in line with the power of your mind.