Yet innovation (as opposed to a gimmick) isn't widely encouraged within the health and fitness industry. The overwhelming philosophy is that people need rules and regimes to follow, plans and diets to adopt. Even the most liberal and flexible of all weight loss plans in terms of diets still demands that you count your points.

Now there is some logic behind these systems of point and plans of course. The thought is that the individual hasn't been able to manage their own weight / diet / exercise plan by themselves until now (or they wouldn't currently be so overweight) and so they clearly aren't able to do it on their own.

But think of what you couldn't do a year ago? Or even five years ago? Think about something that you really wanted to know how to do and so kept trying, creating and innovating until your achieved your desired result. Consider cooking. How many batches of scones did you have to make until you got them right? Anyone who saw the episode of Masterchef where the contestants had to cook for the CWA will know that recipes and training aren't everything. Trial and error count for much.

One of the most successful corporations ever, Google, has an interesting approach to innovation. They have a 20% time-out. 80% of the time they are at work they need to be working, the other 20% of the time they are free to explore, experiment, play, innovate. Amazingly this 20% of their total time has yielded more in terms of products, results and financial rewards than the other 80% "real" work time.

In terms of health and fitness, creativity is being killed (or at least strangled). Plans and programs stifle innovation, and, for many, engagement. Interestingly, I remember reading that the majority of creative ideas occur while people are in the shower. Now certainly if you start exercising more, you'll start showering more as well. But what can you do with all this added creativity? Innovate your health and fitness plan. Imagine if you spent 20% of your total health and fitness time just "playing" instead of working out? Maybe you would discover an exercise you actually liked, a challenge you really wanted to set yourself. In order to really change your body, mind and life from fat to fit (or even less extreme versions on the continuum), you need to do it in a way that works best for you as an individual. If innovation is part of your business life, make it part of your healthy life as well. Congruence equals constancy. Constancy equals success. Weight loss diets, plans and potions just give you a fish. Wouldn't you like to learn how to fish for yourself?

Sally Symonds is the author of "50 Steps to Lose 50kg . . . And Keep It Off" – the inspirational story of how she halved her weight and doubled her life. She is also the director of her own Healthy Life Mentoring business which specializes in helping people lose weight and attain a work/life balance in time-efficient ways. Sally offers an online healthy life club, individual mentoring sessions and workplace transformations.

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 07 3278 4785 / 0417 727 625

Sally Symonds is a member of the Australian Women's Mentoring Network. Visit Sally's AWMN profile (login required).