Maybe we don't lose weight because we set unrealistic expectations and too-short timelines.

Does P90x ring a bell? It’s only the top selling home fitness program of all time. Tony Horton, one of the highest-profile exercise trainers in America and creator of P90x, has helped millions of Americans lose weight through his high-intensity exercises, diet tips and sheer enthusiasm.

So Business Insider recently interviewed Tony to delve deeper into his well of fitness knowledge, asking the paramount question of what the number one factor is that messes up our weight loss plans.

He responded that it’s the discipline and consistency that stops people from fulfilling their weight loss goals. People have unrealistic expectations and stop because changes weren’t made overnight.

"I created the program to be 90 days — they’re all 90-day programs because sometimes, for a lot of people, they have a different starting point. If you have 125 pounds to lose and you’re 42 years old, you’re at a really different starting point than a 27-year-old ex-gymnast who has 9 pounds to lose,” Tony explained.

He adds that you should find joy in the process. Allow yourself to modify exercises and take breaks if exercises are too hard in the beginning. He equates weight loss to climbing Mt. Everest — you don’t just climb it without training. There are many preparatory steps involved. The same strategy applies to weight loss: you don’t lose all the excess weight instantaneously.

"My advice to people would be — take it slow. It’s an ebb and flow, you’re going to have good days and you’re going to have bad days, you’re going to feel strong, you’re going to feel weak,” Tony said. “Pass your expectations, stop thinking about how you hope to look in the future and just kind of stay present.”

He advised us to ‘do your best and forget the rest.’ Don’t compare your exercise performance and your weight loss with other people’s progress.

In our society we want instant gratification and we want it right now. We want to drop 10 pounds in the first week or it’s not worth it. We have unrealistic expectations and forget to live in the present — content with our process and progress.

So be okay with where you are right now. Give yourself time and you will see the weight sliding off with consistent hard work.

To learn more about arthritis and weight loss:

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