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From my own experience, I STRONGLY suggest making setting three goals and measuring yourself against these and only these.

Goal 1) Write down a workout plan for 12 weeks.
Whether you use pyramiding or Max-OT or whatever, preplan what exercises you're going to do, for how many sets and how you will determine what weight to use. Don't make these up during your workout....indecision about what to do next with how much weight kills motivation.

For me, having it all on a piece of paper made sticking to it much easier.

Goal 2) Work out only 3 days a week
This is an important mental thing (at least for me). I don't know if I could committ to never missing a workout on a 5 day or more routine, but I can (and do) committ never to missing a workout on a 3 day routine. Not missing a workout is critical to making working out a habit....which brings me to....

3) Measure success by sticking to the plan.
The most difficult thing about getting in shape is building the habit of working out. The fact is that if you DO workout (and eat reasonably) you will get in shape. But if you don't build that habit it won't happen or won't last.

Habit is the key.

I didn't really see results for 6-7 weeks but kept at it despite frustration. Now, I'm starting to see results with almost every workout. So, to say it again, measure success for the first 4-6 weeks not in terms of changes in your body, but in terms of sticking to your plan, of building the habit. After that you can start worrying about having the right program and how your body responds.

Hope this is useful.

Oh yeah...a number of years ago when I was REALLY fond of parties and drinking, I decide to stop...and also pick up some new friends. My quality of life increased more than I could put into words.

Just a thought.

Good luck man....I'm sure this good habit (working out and eating well) will spawn lots of other good habits.

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Don't say, "If I could, I would." Say, "If I can, I will." - Jim Rohn

"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; have humor, but without folly." - Jim Rohn (http://www.jimrohn.com/vitamin_mind.asp)

good luck dude, keep us posted!