If you want to lose weight consistently, you have to consistent action. Extraordinary results require extraordinary effort. Talking and planning aren't enough to make progress with most tasks.

This will include losing weight. Don't spend your time dreaming or planning about how you would lose weight after the holidays or next year. Today is as good a time as any to start losing weight, provided you start taking action.

If you have the best ideas but don't take action, it will be a waste of time and mental energy.

It's important to spend the majority of your time actually doing something that will help you achieve your desired results. Consistent action is the key. You can't lose weight by exercising once a week or reducing your food portion once a month. Daily consistent action is requiredThe first thing you need to realize is that nothing will change until your behavior changes.

Visualization and positive self-talk have their place, but they're only effective if your behavior changes. You can try to wish your way to a new Rolls Royce or to make a million dollars by aligning your chakras with the universe, but it won't happen unless you're actually doing something different.

• Want to lose weight Check it out

You can't lose weight by reading about weight loss without actually taking action. You need to understand that a consistent change in your behavior is the key to real change.

The second thing you need to know the outcome you desire and make it determine your actions. It's not easy to take action if you don't know what you're attempting to accomplish. Be clear on your intention. Take the time to determine what you want to accomplish. Where do you see yourself in 5-10 years? What actions can you take today to move in that direction? What action can you take today? How much weight do you expect to lose in the next six months? While it is important, to begin with, the end in mind, you have to remember that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Start by taking small steps. Do you want to jog for 60 minutes each day? Get started by jogging for five minutes each day. You won't get in shape by exercising for only five minutes, but you will develop the habit of getting out the door each day. After a week, up the time by another minute or two.

Typically after about 3-6 weeks, you'll have developed an exercise habit and can begin to make a difference for yourself.

Don't spend too much time planning to begin taking action. Limit your planning time.

Those that are slow to take action love to plan, but the best plans are worthless until they're executed. While you're trying to work out the fine details, everyone else is already taking care of business.

Don't let the perfect become the enemy of the possible. One way to take action quickly is to start early. Get started early in the day.

If you can accomplish something worthwhile before 9 AM, you'll be motivated to do even more during the rest of the day. Don't form the habit of putting off your actions until tomorrow. Take action today and don't try to let yourself off the hook by telling yourself that you'll get twice as much done tomorrow. This is particularly important if you want to consistently lose weight by taking daily action.

• Want to lose weight Check it out