It’s that time of year yet again when we declare that this is the year we are going to do something drastic – whether it be to lose weight, get fit, quit smoking or quit drinking - most New Year’s resolutions revolve around our health. Our intentions are great and we usually start off very focused and motivated however, after a few weeks we start to waver and before we know it, our old habits are back in full force. “They” say it takes 3 weeks to form a habit, but if you ask anybody who has attempted numerous diets and fitness regimes they would probably disagree. Months of dedicated workouts can fall by the wayside with just one week of missed activity. So what are we to do, and how are we to do it? How do people get fit and stay fit? We’ve heard it many times before, but it never hurts to hear it again.

Find an activity you like to do. If you don’t know where to begin, try out a facility where there are numerous options to choose from and offers trial periods or short term memberships. If you’re fearful and embarrassed, drag a friend along. It’s far less intimidating when you have somebody by your side.

Ask yourself every morning, “How can I move my body today?” It doesn’t have to be a sweaty, intense regime. Sometimes just rolling off the couch and doing a few push-ups is enough to get you started. When you find yourself walking to the kitchen for yet another snack, try walking lunges around the house a few times before you indulge yourself.

Schedule your workouts into your day timer before you make any other appointments, whether it’s first thing in the morning before you go to work, after you drop the kids off at school, on your lunch hour, after work, or even after dinner. Keep these appointments just as you would any other appointment. Better yet, have a workout buddy to whom you are accountable.

Really confused? Hire a personal trainer to help you develop a program that is specific to your needs. Cost an issue? You may be surprised at how affordable a few sessions can be. Again, accountability is the key.

Invest in a few simple tools, such as an exercise DVD, stability ball or resistance band. If a fitness facility is just not for you, start at home. You may find that as your fitness level increases, so does your self-esteem. Some people start a program by walking in the dark so that they are not seen, and progress from there.

Try using an activity journal. Remind yourself, in writing, why you are doing this. Maybe it’s to lose weight, reduce your risk for heart attack or stroke, strengthen bones, sleep more soundly, lessen your intake of medication, ward off depression...the benefits are endless.

Start small. Set yourself up for success, not failure. Remember, you are not alone. Many have walked your path and are in front of you and many are following. All you have to do is stay on the path and you will be pushed or pulled, depending where you are on the path.