Weight Loss Challenge: Find a meaningful reason for losing weight By Joy Bauer, TODAY nutrition expert It may seem like an obvious or perhaps pointless step, but I have found that the people who are most successful at losing weight are those that have a strong, clear purpose for wanting to make a change. So, today, before you jump headfirst into this New Year's weight loss challenge, do some serious soul-searching and identify a significant and lasting source of personal motivation for finally shedding the extra weight. Maybe it's to better manage troublesome health conditions ... or to be around for your kids and grandkids ... or to finally feel comfortable in your own skin and boost your energy level. The bottom line is that the motivation has to come from within YOU. Alexander Shalamov / FeaturePics stock Do you want to lose weight to feel better in your own skin ... or to be around for your kids and grandkds? Join our 10,000 Pound Challenge all through January as TODAY viewers try to lose weight -- 10, 000 pounds!-- together. Sign up here and change your life. Then, come back to TODAY Health every day for a special diet tip, weekly weight-loss features, easy meal swaps and Facebook chats where I'll be answering your questions. At the end of the month, you'll be able to submit an essay about your transformation for a chance to win a trip to New York City and a makeover, courtesy of the TODAY show. You can do it! What are your New Year's weight-loss goals? Replay with the hashtag #TODAYJoyChallenge and let us know how it's going. "Like" us on Facebook and find other TODAY Health fans.