By John McGran
Since I resolved to change my life for the better in 2017, I have leaned on the simple yet mighty Serenity Prayer on many occasions. You’ve probably heard of this prayer before. For those who haven’t – or for those who’ve forgotten the words – here it is:
“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
At first glance, the Serenity Prayer may seem short and simple, but its wisdom is life-changing. When applied to everyday challenges, it becomes a compass for peace and perseverance. And when applied to your health journey, it can even guide your weight loss goals.
Serenity Prayer and Weight Loss: A Higher Power in Action
While you can’t change that annoying co-worker or force fast-food giants to serve nothing but kale and quinoa, you can change your mindset and daily habits. That is where the Serenity Prayer weight loss approach shines:
Accepting what you cannot change – The shelves at your local grocery store will always hold temptations. Fast food chains will continue to push burgers and fries. Fighting that reality is wasted energy.
Having the courage to change what you can – You can change your eating patterns, portion sizes, and exercise routine. You can commit to cooking more meals at home.
Gaining wisdom to know the difference – Success in health and weight loss often comes from focusing on what’s truly in your control.
I believe a higher power has guided me toward a healthier, lighter, and more peaceful life over the past few years. And if the Serenity Prayer worked for me, it can work for you, too.
Hard Truths About Weight Loss
To dive deeper, let me introduce you to a dear friend, Matthew Anderson, B.A., M.Div., D.Min., a spiritual teacher and weight loss truth-teller. During my years as editor-in-chief at eDiets.com, Matthew’s columns—like Eating to Kill: Why You Want to Be Fat—challenged thousands of readers to face reality.
As Matthew once wrote:
“The hard truth is you might continue to be overweight or even obese until you die. The stats show that most people (about 95 percent) who are currently overweight will probably be overweight five years from now… and 10 years from now… and so on.”
That’s tough to hear, but it’s liberating. Why? Because it pushes us to see that weight loss requires change, courage, and commitment—precisely the qualities the Serenity Prayer calls for.
Three Steps to Becoming a Weight Loss Exception
Matthew believes most people can break free from lifelong weight struggles if they embrace three powerful truths:
1. Face Reality
If nothing changes, nothing changes. Accept that without action, you will stay stuck. Use the Serenity Prayer as a reminder: serenity comes from acknowledging reality, not denying it.
2. Turn “Should” Into “Must”
As Tony Robbins often says, shoulds rarely produce action; musts always do. You must eat every day. You must drink water. If maintaining a healthy body becomes a priority, your daily decisions will start to reflect it.
3. Grow Up
Childlike thinking—wanting weight loss to be easy or instant—keeps people stuck. Maturity means accepting the discipline required for lasting change. When you grow up, you step into long-term success.
Serenity Prayer Weight Loss: The Mind Game
Healthy living is the ultimate mind game. I’ve found that leaning on my higher power and repeating the Serenity Prayer keeps my mindset strong, especially when my resolve wavers. It helps me reframe temptations, setbacks, and frustrations.
The truth is, no one has to walk this path alone. Your higher power, your community, and your own inner strength can help you. Serenity Prayer weight loss is not just about dieting—it’s about cultivating peace, courage, and wisdom that ripple into every corner of your life.
A Final Word
Since 2000, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in diet and wellness through eDiets.com, Diet.com, Diet to Go, and MealPlanMap.com. What I’ve learned through experience—and through prayer—is that fundamental transformation requires more than counting calories. It requires faith, honesty, and courage.
So today, I invite you to use the Serenity Prayer for weight loss success. Accept the things you cannot change. Find the courage to change the things you can. And above all, discover the wisdom to know the difference.
Your journey to a healthier, happier life can begin with this one simple, powerful prayer.
