Make a commitment to whatever it takes. You not only need to know what to do, you also have to manage yourself in such a way that you do it. If you already knew exactly how to get yourself to lose weight and keep it off, you'd be at your perfect weight right now. Without 100% commitment to do what it takes, your goal has no staying power. Weight loss can change your whole character. That always amazed me: Shedding pounds does change your personality. It changes your philosophy of life because you recognize that you are capable of using your mind to change your body.