BY GINA NEUMANN

SPECIAL TO NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Like dating or job searching, losing weight can be a relentless challenge. With so much temptation and societal hype over body image, trying and actually succeeding in losing weight is intimidating.

Fear less and avoid the following behaviors to achieve your weight loss goals:

Don't Obsess Over Numbers

Once the decision is made to lose weight, focusing on numbers in clothing tags and what the scale reads has a self-destructive effect. Checking your weight, body fat percentage and BMI on an accurate Mountainside Medical Supplies scale or longing for that size 6 in denim from The Gap can keep you on track, but you can't let your longing for a change in numbers consume your efforts.

Also, sure, strictly tracking calories is an effective way to shrink your size. Mathematically, you burn more calories than you consume and the pounds fall off. Can you realistically keep up with that type of lifestyle?

Solution: Commit to hitting the scale every two weeks and use how you naturally feel as measurements.

Don't Go in Without a Game Plan

If you're trying to lose weight, chances are this isn't your first rodeo. You have most likely entered the ring only to have been thrown off the bull, walking away with bruises from yet another failed attempt at the rough sport of trying to lose weight. As Einstein has said, "insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." This time around, envision success and jump into your weight loss process with a brand-new plan. Abandon what you did before that lead to your defeat. Are you a weight loss extremist — vowing to work out at the gym six times a week and eat nothing but kale once a day?

Solution: Create structure and accountability in your pursuit of weight loss by signing up for an online program such as fitnessmagazine.com or Weight Watchers Online. Apps such as Nike Training Club and Counter MyNetDiary serve as excellent on-hand resources for sticking to a new fitness regimen and nutrition makeover.

Don't Mentally Sabotage Yourself

Negative self-talk is easy to resort to while you battle the bulge and the mental mind games of whether you can or cannot actually lose weight. Do you believe that getting healthier is actually in your control? Can you really envision yourself as someone who not only weighs less, but has the mental and physical strength to actually do so? Like with every challenge in life, achieving a goal starts with the mental dedication to do so and imagining yourself elated with the rewards.

Solution: Prepare for your weight loss journey with introspection.

Repeat the following mantras:

* I'm not losing weight. I'm getting healthier.

* I don't want to be skinnier. I want to be strong.

* It isn't all about looking amazing. It's about living longer and feeling younger.

Don't Hate What You See

You can't tell yourself that happiness and self-satisfaction is on pause until you meet your goal weight. You have to love yourself and your body now in the trenches of the weight-loss battle in order to feel worthy enough to reach your goal.

Solution: Negotiate with your body from day one. Accept that not every body part will become aesthetic perfection. Thinner thighs and a flatter stomach aren't going to develop instantaneously. Appreciate every type of accomplishment such as sore muscles from a hard work out or choosing to eat a healthy breakfast.

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Gina Neumann is a former yoga teacher and studio manager, Gina decided that her calling in life was in designing clothes that are hip and durable for yogis on the mat and off. She also loves reviewing yoga clothing and equipment for magazines.