January is over. New Year’s resolutions were made. Some have stuck but a lot have failed. Losing weight is the most common one as you may already know.

Think of how many times you or someone you know started a fitness program to lose weight and get in shape, only to abandon it a short time later? Or you actually succeeded after going on a diet only to gain it all back once you started eating normally.

There could be many reasons of failure but your efforts could be missing a major element of developing a “fitness mindset”. Just like everything else in life, we need to have a positive attitude in order to succeed.

Here are some tips to help you find and stick to your fitness mindset

• Love your body – Being fit and healthy comes in all sizes and shapes. You are unique in every way and in no way should you try to look like anybody else. It might take you longer to reach your goals, but as long as you stick with it you will eventually get there. Celebrate every step and achievement you gain along the way, whether the abs are playing peekaboo or the fact that you managed to get up and do a quick workout before starting your day.

• It’s a Marathon not a Sprint – Get rid of the “I want it ALL and I want it NOW!” mentality. Small and steady changes stick better than quick fixes. Find sustainable ways of fueling your body and exercising that are effective and compatible with your lifestyle. If you have been a couch potato, don’t expect to have a trim body in a short space of time. Forget the fad diets, excessive workout plans that suck out the fun in your life. Enjoy every step of your journey.

• Quit Making EXCUSES – Yes, you have kids, a job, and everything else going on but stop playing victim by allowing circumstances to control your life. Take responsibility and make yourself a priority. Your loved ones want to see your best self, so give them what they deserve.

• Your Strong Why Power – There’s no better way to say it than to quote my favorite trainer, Jillian Micheals, “There should be a specific, meaningful motivation behind your workouts—and “because I’m supposed to” is not an acceptable answer. Once you know your “why,” constantly remind yourself of it, whether that’s by doodling it on your hand, making it your cell phone background, or getting it printed on a tank.” Women’s Health

So there it is, part 1 of the mini series. I hope to inspire at least one person to become proactive and make a change to better themselves.

Cheers