Today’s the day it finally happened. The scale finally delivered the news I’d been working so hard to receive. I had dropped a whole 27 pounds according to doctor’s orders in an effort to combat borderline high cholesterol and to overcome some family health risks. Mission accomplished on all levels. I now officially weigh 130.0.

Nothing could be more important than knowing you’re in good health. Yet making the lifestyle changes that have brought about this amazing physical transformation have brought about other equally thrilling benefits. I’ve advised men for years as an image consultant about the importance of taking care of one’s body, but I finally brought the message home to my own and have newfound insights into just how powerful and important this is for your image.

My tailored clothes [suits, sport coats, dress pants] were just re-tailored to fit my now-fit body. It’s amazing how the same clothes feel on my body now, and how I am more aware of my body in these clothes than before. Some dress pants were so big they needed to be re-cut. This more expensive alteration is far less costly than chucking pricey pants that were in otherwise great shape. A reputable tailor did a knockout job re-cutting them. As if losing the weight wasn’t enough of a reward, putting on the re-tailored clothes makes me feel like a million bucks. Amazing.

Simply achieving a seemingly challenging personal goal is hugely fulfilling. Of course, this is what happens when you turn your attention to your personal image development. Many of my clients experience this when they learn how to develop their visual brand and achieve success with it. But based on my current personal experience, when you add a weight loss goal, achieving it is that much more fulfilling. A sense of personal pride comes with overcoming life’s obstacles and being in control of your own reinvention.

As it turns out, I have lost about 17.2% of my original total body weight. The cholesterol numbers have sharply improved. My waist size is now a 29, which hasn’t been that way since I was a high school senior. And I’m probably now in the best physical, emotional, and spiritual health of my life, just in time to turn 40 in July.

So how did I do it? You just won’t believe me if I wrote it here. So I encourage you to get in touch with me because I’d absolutely love to share with you more about how I did this because it’s entirely achievable if you set some realistic goals.

Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.