With the end of the year approaching the most popular New Year’s resolutions made year after year is to FINALLY get in shape and lose those extra pounds. It’s typical of this time of year, and everyone who sets this goal has EVERY intention on sticking to it this time and has even done things differently to ensure they are successful this time around…BUT what goes wrong around the third month?

Many people simply try to make too many changes too fast and too soon. No results are achieved and frustration sets in. Once this happens they find the best excuse and quit.

If you plan to set a weight loss or exercise resolution for 2016 follow the below tips to help make this year a success and start living a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Start Small and Be Realistic – Make small changes weekly, set small bite size goals. For example, drink 4 glasses of water, walk for 10 minutes 3x a week. Small steps turn into BIG accomplishments.

Plan Ahead – It’s never too late to switch the plan up! Whether it’s a new exercise group, hiring a personal trainer, going to a gym or starting a nutrition program – start your research early and review your finances to ensure that once you start you can follow it through until the end.

Set S.M.A.R.T Goals – Have a plan for success. Set yourself up to stay focused and prepare for “life” to kick in and try to derail you. By setting S.M.A.R.T goals you can make sure that the goals you are setting are not only realistic but can be measured and REWARDED!

Be Patient and Trust The Journey – It took years to get stuck in this lifestyle and results will not happen overnight. Experts say it takes about 21 days to form a new habit and about 6 months to make it part of who you are. Stay committed to the journey and remember why you started.

Keep Moving Forward – When you start losing motivation and you fall off – JUMP back up, brush yourself off and START OVER. Give yourself 24 hours to feel sorry for your misstep then get right back to it. As time goes on your missteps will get less and less and before you know it you will have achieved your goal and you’ll be living that healthy lifestyle you fought so hard for!

No one said the journey would be easy and that there wouldn’t be major obstacles to overcome, but having a good support team and staying realistic can make all the difference in the world!