Ask Andrew: How Can I Commit to my Fitness Goals?

One of the biggest challenges for many people is committing to a lifestyle of consistent exercise and nutrition for any significant length of time. We tend to begin with enthusiasm, but life inevitably gets in the way – we get sick and miss a few workouts, there are office celebrations with cake that you just can’t pass up, you give yourself the weekend to indulge and decide to start again on Monday, and all of these add up until you’re completely off the fitness and nutrition wagon. Andrew is back today with three tips for committing to your fitness goals that actually factor for life’s curve balls.

1. Post your goals on your bathroom mirror and in your car.


You’ve probably heard this before, but posting your short-term daily goals in a place where you see them each day really will help you stay focused and motivated. It’s a reminder of your commitment – and that can be a powerful thing. Your bathroom mirror is a really great spot because you’ll see your goals first thing in the morning, so you can start your day off right, and right before you go to sleep at night, so you can think about what you did well that day and how you might improve tomorrow. Your car is another great spot – it can be the reminder you need to drive right past that drive-thru.

For greater results, don’t just list goals. Include the purpose behind that goal. For example, if your goal is to lose weight and get in shape, the motivating factor behind it could be more energy to play with your kids or to go on an adventure trip.

Images can be powerful too. If you have a photo of yourself when you were in great shape, or you can find an image of someone with a similar body type as yours in the shape you strive to achieve, you might include that as well.

2. Schedule your day and prepare for any uncontrollable distractions.


Before your day begins, ask yourself if there are any challenges that may interfere with your daily goals. Of course, there are plenty of uncontrollable distractions, but strategizing on how to cope with your most common challenges will set you up to deal with anything that happens during your day.

Pencil in your workouts and meals just as you do appointments and projects. Put them on your calendar, and make arrangements around these items as you do other items on your daily schedule. Making time for exercise and nutrition is one of the most important ways we take care of ourselves. For many, fitness and nutrition are the first thing to be shuffled. Treating these things as routine parts of your day is a good way to change that.

3. Journal your daily effort and fitness exercises.

There is no doubt that tracking your nutrition and fitness improves your chances of achieving your goals. But I recommend also keeping a diary in which you answer the following question each day: Did I do everything I could toward achieving my goals today? If your answer is yes, great! If your answer is no, write down one thing you can do tomorrow for improvement.

Keep in mind that fitness and nutrition are a lifestyle – and a journey. There is no destination. It’s something you do day in and day out. If you want help navigating this journey, I’d love to help. Consultations are free, and together, we can come up with a plan that’s as effective as it is doable.