Each New Year rings in the promise of a fresh start, an urge to make the coming year better and more rewarding. This prompts many to make New Year’s resolutions and set goals for themselves.  The most common resolutions are related to health and fitness which, when achieved, award you with a wonderful feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment.  However, for various reasons, fitness and weight-loss goals are often never attained.

To be successful, you must start with clearly defined goals as a way to measure achievement. Allowing you to see your progress over time is a great way to stay motivated. Creating effective goals will also help you find the confidence, commitment and determination to live a happier and healthier life. 

For goals to be successful, they must be:     

1. Specific – written down, unambiguous and stated in positive terms 

2. Measurable – a defined end point lets you know when you’ve reached your goal 

3. Achievable – set yourself up for accomplishments and expect to reach your goals

4. Realistic – don't try to do too much too soon by setting goals incrementally 

5. Timely – give yourself a deadline to check on your progress.

Setting goals can mean the difference between success and failure. Realistic, well-planned goals keep you focused, motivated and provide a plan for change as you transition to a healthier lifestyle. Keep in mind that getting into shape and living a healthy life does not happen with a quick-fix diet, a magic pill or an exhausting killer-workout regimen.  A strong and healthy foundation to any weight-loss or fitness program comes when you adopt healthy habits into your life in a consistent manner.

Tiffiny Twardowsky is president of Energy in Motion, LLC, which provides on-site fitness and wellness services for corporate and private clients. For more information on bringing fitness classes to your workplace, visit EinMotion.com, email [email protected] or call 973-983-9554.