In December 2022, I can remember being disgusted with myself as I stood on the scale and stared down 269 lbs. What had happened? During my last attempt at weight loss I’d managed to drop from 250 to 230 lbs over three months, yet less than another three months later, here I was at my all-time high.  

This wasn’t new, I had been here before several times; I had lost weight, gained it back, over and over again … for years.  I remember feeling like a fraud. Here I was:  a 51 year old successful professional who held a masters degree in Applied Psychology.  I had studied, written and lectured about motivation and behavior, yet I seemed to be powerless when it came to my own weight management.  It was at that time that the Finish Stronger Project was born.  

I dove back into my research around motivation and change. I sought out and studied current scientific research, applying these concepts to behavioral strategies and managing long term change. I anchored the cognitive strategies developed to treat anxiety, depression and addiction and applied them to the framework of weight management.   

Through the insights of this research, I developed a better understanding of why my efforts had never “stuck”.  Looking back on the years of data I had collected on myself, I identified my core impediments and designed a year long “project” with built in components addressing these issues. Noticing a knowledge gap, I took courses on nutrition, metabolism and exercise science. I then forced myself to trust this science.     

I have found success and sustainability in my approach and am now feeling called to help others do the same. I want others to join me on my journey.  I can help you stop the feelings of frustration and failure, recognize the learnings in your setbacks and build the confidence and skills to truly finish your life stronger.  

Eric Brown, M.S., CPT, CNC/WLS