I wouldn't want to downplay the importance of mental strength too much, however, I think very much like the author, fear was the crucial factor.

I've always worked out and ate "fairly" well, but July 2003 was the turning point. My blood pressure was about 130/80 when we left New York City a few weeks after 9/11.

Summer of July 2003 my wife convinced me to have my BP checked - 160/100 (and, up to age 30, I had to stay mindful to eat enough not to become underweight - during my doctoral psych years, I gained over 40 pounds)

1. August 2003 - I initiated a 6 day intense exercise program (cardio, including HIIT, stretching, balance and resistance training) and chose 1500 calories, daily.

2. By November 2003, I lost 30 pounds and have kept it off since then.

3. I've modified my sleep routine along the lines generally recommended, meditate 2x a day, etc etc

4. BP has been, for the most part, back in the 120s/130s/70s to 80s since

Fear? Absolutely (my father's side of the family ALL had strokes and heart attacks)

One last thing - to lose the infamous 'last 10 pounds," I tried 1200 calories in 2012 and didn't lose any weight (and no, several months of strict Keto - under 20 net carbs per day - didn't make any difference) I came to believe the nonsense about how calories don't count, and didn't lose any more weight in the intervening 11 years.

*****

Here comes fear again - my BP had been normal for years, but surged up back to 160/100 this summer.

I decided, "Ok, one thing all the experts say is calorie counting doesn't work because even professionals are terrible at it. I'm going to try 1200 again, but now, overestimate everything.

The result (thanks mostly to fear, and I suppose somewhat to mental strength) I've lost the last 10 pounds and am at the weight goal I ultimately wanted back in 2003.

let's hear it for fear (.... and, mental strength:>))