It’s the start of a brand new year and I’m sure that weight-loss is in a lot of people’s New Year resolution. But how many of us actually stick to this goal and achieve the results that we want by the end of the year? My guess is that it is a small percentage of us that actually stick to it and achieve our results. From my experience, I believe that the majority of us need some sort of support system when taking on a difficult challenge. It makes a difficult task far easier to tackle when you have someone or a group on your side rather than doing it alone and losing that Beer Belly is no exception. Before you psyche yourself up and daydream about losing 50 lbs, 100 lbs, or 200 lbs this year, think about the steps you need to take to help you get there. Below are the Top 5 things that will help you stick to your resolution this year and hopefully reach your target come 2009! Make copies of it, put one on your wall above your desk, one at work and one in your wallet so you can see it everyday. That way you’ll be reminded if you’re on track throughout the year of making your goal and what you need to change in order to reach it.

Find a Plan that Works for You
There are many different programs out there, try a few and see how well you adjust to it. Talk to people and ask them how the program is working for them. And don’t be afraid to change things around when you feel the program is becoming stagnant for you.

Build a Strong Support System
Join a group, make a pact with other people who feel strongly about the same goal that you have. I cannot stress this enough. Having someone or a group there is motivation, you look out for one another and push each other and you’re less likely to burn out or quit. Surround yourself with supportive and positive people.

Set Goals
Maintain a log of your progress throughout the year. Don’t be discouraged if you were hoping to lose 10 lbs in one month but you only lost 4 lbs. Celebrate your successes whether big or small and challenge yourself even more each time you reach a goal. Try new exercises and new programs like yoga or squash, you never know if you’ll like something unless you give a few tries.

Mentally Challenge Yourself
Losing that Beer Belly is just as mentally challenging as it is physically. Give it your all when you’re working out, otherwise why even bother doing it? When I find myself about to quit in the middle of a difficult exercise, I ask myself “what was the point of me coming then if I’m not going to go all the way?” It’s like starting a race and quitting half-way through. You mind as well finish what you’ve started. Keep pushing yourself mentally and physically.

Have Fun, Enjoy Your Workout
Ok, this one’s important. If you’re not having fun working out, then it’s going to become painful, torturous and boring very fast. You have to find an activity that you enjoy doing or you’ll hate working out; just like going to a dreadful job everyday – sound familiar? I love the thrill, competition and challenge of basketball, it never bores me and I get a great workout from that. If you find something you enjoy and are having fun while doing it, it won’t seem like work at all and you will be less likely to quit and more likely to stick with it in the long run. Find a workout/program/exercise/sport you really enjoy doing!

What tips do you have?

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