I started seriously trying to lose weight last year. I was motivated to have a healthy BMI by my 40th birthday. I lost 19 pounds and was just a few pounds shy of my original goal (although it took me much longer than I had hoped) when I decided I was happy with myself where I was at...then my husband also started to get serious about his health and weight and we came up with a challenge for each other. First person to make their goal weight got to plan a trip for the two of us. To make it more fair, I decided to push myself to lose even more than my original goal. It may not be completly realistic, but I've recommitted myself to trying. If I make some progress but decide not pursue my new goal weight to the end, I will still feel successful as my husband and I have improved our lifestyle and health, which is good for us and the rest of our family.