So many people start the year by saying that they want to run a marathon or drop 25lbs by the end of the year. Healthy new years resolutions like these are a positive step in the right direction. That is great to see where you would like to be. And yet, some of us keep having to set similar goals each year as we end up giving up before we get through the month of January.

1. Make Your Goals SMART

So how can we reach our goals this year? Make sure your goals are SMART goals. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-Bound.

Start with your over all goal, then break this down in to smaller benchmark goals. In 6 months, where do you want to be? Then break it down in to even smaller steps, in 6 weeks where do you want to be and how will you know you’re successful?

2. Set Up a Plan

Consider what it will take every week to achieve your short-term goals. Is it getting physical activity 4 times a week? It is logging your food every day to make sure you stay on task? Perhaps laying out your clothes the night before. Or only watching your favorite TV while on the treadmill. You’ll be surprise how even the small things will help keep you motivated. But most importantly, write them down.

3. Schedule Your Physical Activity

Just as you would normally schedule appointment and meeting, include physical activity as a priority as well. Schedule when you are going to get your movement in for the day and then keep that appointment. If you can’t keep yourself healthy, eventually there won’t be anything to offer anyone else.

4. Plan Your Meals

Plan what you are going to eat for the week, even a day, it will help to keep your calories in check. Cook enough healthy food for dinner and be sure to have leftovers to take with you for lunch the next day. If cooking for yourself is too much of an obstacle then have healthy meals prepared for you. For example, The Company Chef, will delivery your lunch and dinner meals right to you at work.

5. Form a Support Team

Every successful businessperson relies on their board of directors and employees for their expertise. Why shouldn’t you? Pair up with a friend with similar goals or ask someone to ask about your fitness goals and progress every time they see you. The key is to surround yourself with support and knowledge. And if you don’t know where to start or you’ve tried before and need that extra motivation, you can hire a personal trainer.

New fitness goals take some time before they be come a habit. So be patient with yourself and before you know it you’ll have turned your 2008 goals into the healthy accomplishments of 2009.

We were proud to have this article published in the Ahwatukee Foothills Paper and evliving.com.