While I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions (people often use them as an excuse the month before to let themselves off the hook for unhealthy behaviors), it is natural for us to want to set personal goals.  The New Year brings with it a sense of hope and renewal and, just like spring, the feeling of wanting to wipe the slate clean and start fresh.

So if this really is the year you decide to makeover your look, get in shape and improve your health, once and for all, the question is how can you stay motivated once the New Year euphoria wears off and reality sets in?  To guide you through the year, try these simple, yet proven methods for staying committed and on track:

First, think in terms of starting positive habits.  It is said that it’s easier to develop a new habit than get rid of an old one.  Maybe that is because what you focus on is what you create and, if you focus on a habit you don’t want, your focus keeps that habit in play.  I also

think that bad habits can fade away when you begin new ones that honor you.  Challenge yourself to begin exciting new habits in 2007.

Second, set short-term realistic goals.  If your only goal is to lose 40 pounds it may take more than a couple of months before you feel successful.  Rather, set daily measurable, achievable goals that allow you to feel successful every day.  Use affordable and easy to use tools (such as pedometers, accelerometers, and heart rate monitors) so that you can get immediate feedback about the achievement of your daily goals.  Talk about motivation!

Third: become aware of how much time you spend being inactive.  I find most people overestimate the amount of exercise they do, and underestimate how sedentary they are during the day.  How much time do you spend in a car, working in front of a computer, or watching TV?  It really adds up.

Fourth, ditch the diet.  Imagine how many millions of dollars will be spent in the month of January on diet books, pills, foods and programs…. most of it for naught.  According to experts, diets have a 5.2% success rate, which means that only 5.2% of the time will someone lose weight on a diet and keep it off for five years or more.  Instead, bring your awareness to eating mindfully, in a way that honors your body – that is the secret of long-term success.

Lastly, get support.  Ask for help from your family and friends and let them know what you need, whether it may be a biking partner, healthy snacks in the house, or simply a kind word.  Sometimes, despite all good intentions and social support, something is not working – consider hiring a professional to help you make the changes you want.

Whether you implement all of these suggestions or just one, you will move a long way toward achieving physical wealth: living the life that you are meant to have – full of health, energy, confidence, vitality, and strength – every single day. 

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About Heather Moreno

Heather Moreno is a leading fitness coach and founder of PeopleFit USA, where she and her team of fitness coaches teach clients how to get and stay fit through a simple eight-step process, which she shares in her book, Achieving Physical Wealth.  Take Heather’s 5-part Motivation to Exercise eCourse or contact her at heather@peoplefitusa.com.