Planning for Success

Planning is a crucial part of success for any venture and it's also the case when it comes to weight loss, healthy eating, and improved health. You've probably heard the saying "failing to plan is planning to fail". Making lifestyle changes and getting rid of unhealthy habits can be a difficult process, so give yourself an advantage by planning for success.

1) Decide now to remove temptations. A co-worker once had a bowl of M&Ms in her office which she kept eating so she gave them to me. Guess who ended up eating them because they were under my nose all day long? You can't surround yourself with stuff you are trying to avoid or you will give in. If junk food is in sight and within reach, you will eat it!

2) Plan meals in advance. Preparing your menu the night or week before can be very helpful. When you have 20 minutes to get something to eat and you haven't brought a lunch or bought healthy ingredients to make something with, then you are in trouble and end up settling for less healthy fast food options because they are so convenient. Cook in bulk and freeze meals for later in the week. Successful eating never happens by accident.

3) Chart out your exercise out for the week so you will have a plan and know what you are going to do before you get to the gym. You can always adjust or adapt your plan when things come up, but you will be much better off and feel more committed if you know what days and times you are going to do cardio and when you will do resistance training.

4) Learn to manage your time better. Many people claim they don't have enough time to exercise. You can't afford to neglect your health. A good workout doesn't need to take a lot of time. When you exercise, it sharpens the saw and actually improves the quality of the other aspects of your life. Exercise is a great investment and most people can find time if they learn to manage their time better and avoid time wasters.

If you can develop the habit of planning, then you will be much more successful in your attempts to reach your fitness goals. I have never seen someone who had an impressive body transformation who said it happened by accident and they didn't have a plan. Realistic planning combined with consistent effort is the key to getting you where you want to be.