It’s officially summer now; do you have your beach bod? Most people who resolve to get the “summer body” decide to do so at the beginning of the year without a good plan, or any plan for that matter.

we are now 6 months into 2017, and most people that haven’t reached the goals they set for themselves by now just give up! Never the answer. Most think they’ll try again January 1^st, and they’ll start a cycle of starting and stopping which could last years.

This year instead of quitting because you haven’t made the progress you hoped for, why don’t we try instead to refocus and get back on track. Here’s a few ways to go about it.

1. Gratitude

Instead of beating yourself up about how much you didn’t accomplish focus on what you did accomplish, and be grateful for any, and all progress. Start right now: write three things for which you are grateful (I do this every morning).

2. Noticing

What is it about your current situation you’d like to change?

3. The “Why”

Intrinsic motivation is motivation that comes from one’s self, and doesn’t need anyone else’s approval, or anyone else telling you to keep going. Vanity isn’t usually enough. For example, I have a client that has a loved one with special needs and she is always saying “I need to be around for them.”

4. The Goal

You need something BIG to keep you motivated make it specific. I wrote a blog a while ago about setting huge goals that keep you motivated, and there was a little misunderstanding. You set the big goal than you must break it down into steps that you can see, and achieve, but the initial goal should be big enough that you can’t run out of the “mini goals” it will take to achieve it. For example, you could say “I’m setting a goal to run a marathon” the next step is “the first step is to run a 5k”.

5. The Strategy.

What’s your game plan? Sometimes it’s helpful to piggyback new habits on already occurring behaviors. Use your everyday routine as an anchor for positive change. For example, “Every morning after I brush my teeth, I’m going to do a set of 10 pushups, 10 squats and 10 lunges.”

6. Support.

What are you doing to set yourself up for success? With whom are you spending your time? What inspiring Instagram accounts do you follow? Do your choices and the environments you put yourself in support your goal? For example, meet a friend for a hike instead of drinks, and post your accomplishments to Facebook.

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