When we start something new that will take time, effort, and will power…we do it with the best intentions.  In the effort to achieve a goal in fitness, health improvement, weight loss, and sports, it is common to start out strong, only to give in to obstacles that get in the way.  After a good start, we lose interest and want to give up.  How do we not give up?  This is an important question because it is easy to find reasons to quit; I don’t feel good, I need to clean my house, I would rather read my book, or we get talking on the phone.  The list goes on and on.  It is easy to find a reason to quit.  The hard part is finding a reason to stay focused on the goal.

   What makes a person stay the course and keep working at their fitness goals?  It comes down to their level of commitment.  Something deep inside them tells them to keep trying.  That inner voice says, “Don’t give up; It is what you have wanted, planned for, and dreamed of.”   Commitment helps you to continue working towards your goal so that you can avoid regret later.

   It is important to look into your future and examine the outcome of the achievement of your goal.  What benefits will you enjoy when you reach the goal you have set for yourself?  Benefits are personal to each individual, but you should also envision the consequences of not achieving your goal.  Would you have regrets?  Will it result in a set-back that will take time and harder work in the future to recommit and start over? 

   Here are some ideas that have helped me and others I have worked with to achieve their goals; 

1.      Put your goal(s) in writing, and post them somewhere that you will see them and be reminded of them as you go throughout each day.  Include the daily (or ongoing) steps needed to reach your goal.

2.      Tell someone whom you trust about your goal.  This will give you the needed support in asking how you are doing in the daily steps towards your goal.

3.      Take it slow! If you start off too fast or take on too much, you may start to feel overwhelmed and want to quit. 

4.      Give yourself a break!  You are not perfect, so it is ok to make mistakes.  Just get back up and continue on with your daily plan.

5.      Look at each day as a new day!  New beginning!  Make this day better than yesterday.

Good fortune to all of you as you start out on your new goals!