1. Set more than one goal. By setting smaller fitness goals rather than one goal allows you to proceed without the all or nothing type pressure.
2. Do what you like. Find something that is enjoyable, it may be a sport, a class or some type of workout. Choose your activity and your environment that is pleasing to you.
3. Buddy up. Not everyone will want to workout with a friend but it is a great tip to help through those times you are less motivate.
4. Write down your goals. On a slip of paper, in a post note on your mirror of refrigerator. Or if you are into social media; try Facebook, or a site dedicated to setting goals: 43things.com, where you can share with 3 million others and find someone else with similar goals.
5. Go slow. Think of January as your warm up month. Progressing should be slow at the start. Just doing your activity at your own pace is your first goal.
6. Identify barriers. Do you need equipment, arrange a baby sitter, have this set up in advance.
7. Seek advice. If you are new to an exercise program, speaking with your physician and to a trainer about your plans helps you get off to a safe start.
8. Prepare for a bumpy road. Don’t let set backs get you down. Things happen in life; illness, travel, personal matters etc. Be flexible in your planning and don’t let needing to miss a session effect your final goal.
9. Your goals are personal. Don’t compare with others, there is no right or wrong goals. All goals are good, be confident in your self.
10. Plan for breaks. Training is cyclic. Your body and mind also need to recover. Allowing for adequate rest results in more intense and constructive fitness sessions.
11. Remember you are awesome. You are doing the right thing; you are getting the job done. It doesn’t matter what others are doing, just by being committed to being active you are doing better than most.
12. Let your goals evolve. There will be ups and downs; sometimes your goals must change as well. Remember you can’t change the wind, only adjust your sails.
13. Have fun. Make sure you are enjoying yourself, if you are finding it a chore, than mix it up, change a program, change scenery, include a social element; whatever it takes to make 2013 an active and fun year.