Want to make a change, but don’t know where to begin?  Here are some steps that I go through either on paper or in my mind when deciding to make any sort of major change.  The same can be applied to a lifestyle change towards Health and Fitness:

Current Analysis: I analyze my current situation and decide whether or   not I am happy with where I am.  If not, I decide I need to make a change and try to pinpoint what area of my life needs to change, being as objective and honest with myself as possible.

Define What I Want: Fairly self-explanatory.  This I make as simple and crystal clear as possible.  I will sometimes write down my goals to make them more real, giving them that tangible touch and bringing them to life (some people create vision boards to help them visualize their goals).

Define Purpose: I will often define what the reasoning is behind my wanting this goal.  This helps to further support my goal and spurs self-motivation.  This is the “Why.”  I will write out my purpose for wanting this goal after step #2 above.  This also helps me prioritize where this goal fits into my other priorities...i.e. How important is this goal to me?

Time Frame: I set a time frame up for every goal.  Maybe it’s just 1 day, maybe it’s 1 year.  Setting a time frame up is important as it allows for a sense of urgency.  I usually play a game with myself, tricking myself into believing that if I can’t get this goal in the allotted time frame something bad is going to happen...and I can’t allow that!

Attainable: I will often take a break and come back to look at my goal objectively and honestly asking myself if it’s attainable in the time frame specified.  This is important, because if I set an unrealistic timeframe I am essentially setting myself up for failure, which could affect my frame of mind in the future.  Part of setting up a correct time frame is knowing what my limitations are, which involve skill sets; current time constraints; previous obligations; priorities...etc.

Too Large: If the goal is too big, I break it down into smaller goals, each with their own time frame.

Planning: I take each goal and then brainstorm all the steps I can think of that need to occur for me to reach that goal.  I will often take a break from this and then jump back in with a fresh mind.  Once I have all the steps (though I can easily add them later if I think of more), I then prioritize the steps in the order they need to occur.

Everyday: I do something everyday towards achieving my goal.  Even if it’s small, I make sure to continue to move forward so as to keep the momentum going...baby steps to the goal still moves me closer than doing nothing at all.

Jump Back In: If, for whatever reason, I skip a day or I didn’t accomplish what I set out to for that particular day...which is bound to happen, I simply start back up as soon as possible.  I don’t postpone it to Monday of the following week...I start immediately!

Balance: I balance planning with acting, as too much of either without the other has hurt me in the past.  I make sure I have a plan, even if it’s a rough one, and act on it as soon as practical.

Own my Decisions: I take full responsibility and hold myself accountable for the decisions I make.  Whether that is deciding to watch TV instead of working out, or deciding to eat something I know I shouldn’t be...no one is responsible for these decisions but me.  This alleviates a lot of stress off those loved ones around me, so I don’t get caught up in blaming them or the ads on TV; or the traffic; or my alarm clock; or anything else but the common denominator.  This helps keep me positive and take control of my life.  I know if I am responsible for making the decisions in my life...then I am responsible for my life and this gives me freedom!  Freedom from other peoples thoughts; judgements; and negative energy.

Believe: I believe in my abilities to complete the goal, otherwise I wouldn’t have made it to begin with.  I believe in the goal itself otherwise I wouldn’t have made it to begin with.  I believe I deserve the goal otherwise I wouldn’t have made it to begin with.  I believe!

A couple of things I am mindful of while I go about my daily goal conquering are who I surround myself with in my support system, which was written about in Part I, but I will just touch on briefly.  My significant other is my main support and I lean on her when I need to...she is my rock.  My immediate family is very strong and we have helped each other through many difficulties.  I also maintain a very tight and strong circle of friends which have very similar mindsets.  I know if I want to make a change, such as become healthier...start eating right...etc, I have a support group to help me through...and if I didn’t I would make a support group, because it’s that important.