Are you having trouble setting a reasonable weight loss goal?  Don't take a break from it, take 10 - 10%, that is.  Whenever you're starting a new weight loss plan, figure out what your current weight and take 10% of it.  That's your goal.  So if you weigh 180 pounds and you're trying to get to 130, don't even think of those 50 pounds - that's not your goal - 18 pounds is.  And then once you get to that goal of 162 pounds, take another 10% and make 16 pounds your new goal.

This will also capitalize on the fact you'll drop more weight earlier in a diet program than at the end.

Very well said. Large goals are often harder to acheive because you get discouraged when it doesn't happen overnight. If you can break it down into percentages, like you've suggested, it makes it seem a lot easier to work towards.

That's a terrific way to break down a larger goal into smaller, more easily achievable mini-goals.  What may be even more motivating in that idea is that each new goal is smaller than the previous one.  Most people are going to lose that first 18 lbs. you mention and think that new goal of 16 lbs. is going to be a snap.  After all, they've already achieved a larger weight loss, right?

 Hmm...People might think the 16 pounds is an easier task since they've already lost more than that, but I don't think that's necessarily the case.  I've found I can lose weight faster when I'm heavier than after I've already lost a chunk of it.  I think after I lose that first lump of weight, I hit the plateau.

 Well its a good idea but I agree that its easier to lose weight in the beginning when you get rid of the fluid first. I think that we all hit that plateau eventually and its difficult not to become demoralized, so any way of easing the pain is valid.

 Plateau?  Yuk.  I wasn't even thinking about that.  I've heard it before, but I've never really understood what it means.  How long do I have until I run into that?