Most people starting an exercise routine or "diet" get overwhelmed by looking too far ahead at the big picture. Oftentimes, this misleading view discourages people enough to scare them out of taking that first step toward a fitness lifestyle.
I've learned many lessons in life from watching my baby boy grow into a toddler. Everything's gradual. And everything's a process. Nothing gets accomplished or achieved overnight. Often when we want something, we want it yesterday! And because of our rush to get to what we want, we jump into the process, get overwhelmed, eventually frustrated... and we quit.
Maintaining a fit lifestyle is a process that can be broken down in to steps that will lead you to success. All of the steps are designed to help you meet your goal and improve your life.
Step 1: Do Something!
Even if it's just taking a daily walk. Don't waste anymore time. Do something. No one has ever crossed the finish line without starting the race. Just do what you know... and learn as you go!
Step 2: See and Set Your Ultimate Goal
Visualize the way you want to look and never lose sight of that vision. Keep your goal healthy and attainable and set several small goals along the way.
Step 3: Self-Analysis
Make sure you know why you're doing what you're doing then don't lose sight of those "why's." This step helps people tremendously.
Step 4: Lay the Foundation
This is when you "set the stage" so to speak. Make certain that your surroundings, environment, and lifestyle are all supportive of your goals. This stage takes a lot of planning and self-reflection but its role in your success can not be understated. This means making a plan that restructures your lifestyle and sticking to it!
Step 5: Do It!
Obvious I know, but once your plan is in place you can't back out!
Step 6: Look Back at Your Accomplishments
Take the time to congratulate yourself and feel good about yourself - buy yourself some new clothes or treat yourself to a massage. There's nothing wrong with acknowledging your accomplishments. You should feel good. What you're doing isn't easy. Breaking old habits takes a constant commitment for a long period of time. So don't overlook your accomplishments, no matter how "small" you may think they are. They're all important in the big picture and in reaching your ultimate goal.
Step 7: Continue Learning
Learn what you like and what you don't like, and more importantly, learn what works for you. Find healthy activities and healthy foods that you can do long term. Don't be so concerned with what everyone else is doing or what worked for them. Learn "you."
You don't have to be perfect to start, but you have to start to eventually be perfect.
So start taking those steps toward your goal and you'll get there, one day at a time!