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What worked for me was figuring out a reward system--yes, I bribed myself to get going, but before too long, the weight loss, activity, and feeling better was a reward in and of itself. My bribes were also all oriented to keeping me active--for instance, when I hit a certain weight loss target, I rewarded myself by buying a new pair of workout pants. My bicycle was a reward for meeting a goal.
I also gave myself a weekly reward in a "day off"--a day when I would eat something outside of my nutrition plan, but I wouldn't give myself the day off if I hadn't met my activity goals for the week.
Now I don't need to bribe myself in quite the same way. Good continual motivators for me are fitness magazines. When I buy one and read it, it gives me new information to add to what I know and keeps me inspired to keep going. It refreshes my desire to stay fit.
My basic motto for losing 45 lbs. was "Eat more fiber and move your ass (exercise)." Perhaps it's a credo that could work for you. It keeps it simple, which I found really really helpful in staying motivated.
And yes, hiring a personal trainer is a good idea if you have absolutely no idea where to start and have the $$$ or other resources (like benefits through your work that will pay for it).
Ultimately, be realistic. If you do this, know that healthy weight loss is 2 lbs. max per week--8 lbs. a month. And going slow is better than going fast--it's much more likely to last that way. I've kept my weight off for over a year now!
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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