1. Create Realistic Goals
Admit it, we all get overly excited in December. “I’m going to lose 25 pounds” “I’m going to workout every day!” “I’m going to save $10,000 this year.” “I’m going to quit sugar.” While all fantastic goals, for most people any one of these is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest. Having a lofty goal is more than okay, in fact, it can be inspirational, but it can also be self-defeating if it is too far out of reach. It is important to create goals that are achievable. Now that we are a few days in, it is more okay to pause, review, and reboot.

2. Pre-Plan
We all know how the saying goes “Failing to plan is planning to fail!”. This could not be more appropriate for our New Year goal setting. Set yourself up each day by planning to succeed. If your goal is to eat healthier, meal plan the day before so you aren’t caught off guard and forced to make a tough decision. If your goals is to read more, set your book out next to your bed, and consider setting an alarm that notifies you when you are 30 minutes before bedtime. If fitness if your goal, joining a new gym, signing up for that fitness class the night before, or even creating a playlist that will take you thru your morning Total Gym FIT workout will all help keep you excited and on track.

3. Track your progress
This is a big one. Visual cues can help us see how far we have come when the going gets tough. Put up a calendar (we recommend a full month) and track the activity you have done for that day in service of your New Year goal. Anything step, no matter how big or small, is worth making it on the board. All forward progress counts!

4. Create a rewards system
The fun stuff! We all deserve positive reinforcement when we achieve a milestone, this process is no different. Create milestones along your journey that deserve rewards. Maybe its a date night. Or the new pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing. Maybe you Just be careful to make sure your reward doesn’t derail your progress and set you back!

5. Make your goals public
Accountability. Positive reinforcement. Support. Friends and family are here to support us and lift us up when times get tough, it is important to let them. Tell your circle what your goals are they will no doubt remind you why you started this journey and reinvigorate your motivation to keep going.

6. Create a mantra
Simply put, “a mantra is statement or slogan that we repeat frequently”. This can be a word, a few words, or a whole phrase, designed to inspire and motivate. Mantras should be personal and spark true meaning for you, they don’t have to serve anyone else.

7. Make it fun
No one likes to do chores all day long, don’t let your resolutions feel that way. If activity is your goal, take it outside and mix up the scenery. If nutrition is your goal, try a cooking class. If spending more time with family is your focus, gather your crew and head to an escape room. Mix in some fun, it will make it easier to do it all over again tomorrow.

8. Be okay with road bumps
We all stumble, that's part of the beauty that makes us human. Don’t worry when you hit a rough patch, use it as a learning opportunity. Why did you slide backward? What is causing you to struggle? Are there any adjustments you can make to better set yourself for success moving forward?

9. Bring an accountability buddy on board
Life is better when shared! Friends motivate us, they inspire us, and sometimes they give us the kick we need when we want to sleep thru an early alarm. If motivation is started to wane, ask one of your friends to join your journey. It's almost impossible to skip a 5 am training session is you know someone else is waiting for you.

10. Trust yourself
There is no doubt you are capable of achieving any goal you set, remind yourself of that every day. Trust in hard work, trust in the process, and most importantly, trust in yourself.