First, I dont think you look bad at all. Secondly, it's rough when everyone else seems so much more attractive around you. We all have some sort of self esteem crash every once in a while.

I have one about once a week. LOL

Anyways, maybe Matt can give you some willpower ( ).

You can look up for inspiration, or you can look down in desperation, but nothing is going to change unless you will yourself to make change happen, and it's good that you can acknowledge this.

But I realize that sometimes,the kinda look that we envy will never be instilled upon us no matter how hard we try to obtain it (Like the collegiate swimmers I lifeguard for everyday, ugh, talk about amazing bodies). In that case, it's best to focus on yourself and your own potentials instead of envying others. Who knows, there could be people envying you from afar.

Go for a run at the gym, or just try something more active. If it's motivation you lack, find a friend to go with you. Join an intramural team, or a sports club, w/e it is that will give you what you need to get yourself out there.

Maybe then I'll do something about it. I can't rely on anyone but myself to do this, or hold me accountable for it, so I should stop blogging and start doing.

You're part of the way there already because it sounds like you have some ultimate goals (i.e. to get in better shape).

One thing that works for me is track weight & any exercise activities on a daily basis. I write down all this stuff on a daily calendar that displays one month on each page. Whenever I got discouraged with the 'big' goal, I just paged through my calendar and could see my progress. I could look back just one month and see that yes, I've made progress.

I'm no longer trying to lose weight as I've hit my goal, but I still jot everything down to help me maintain. Keeping everything listed allows me to splurge on a big restaurant meal every once in a while. And while I might bump up a pound or two after said meal, seeing it in writing allows me to refocus afterwards to stay at my ideal weight. I've lost weight in the past (only to see it creep back up), but this is the longest I've maintained my ideal weight and I attribute it to the tracking.

If you want to see an example, I'll be happy to email a page to you.

Good luck Eric and think positive! If you need some virtual health buddies, I'm sure there'd be people on GA who'd help!

The journey of a thousand miles starts with but a single step.

Good luck, dude

-Kevin