1) Setting goals Set realistic and measurable goals. Goals must meet certain criteria in order to be helpful, otherwise, you're just going to get disappointed and give up. When your goal is specific and measurable, you can track your progress and determine if you're on the right path. In addition, specific goals allow you to identify exactly what must be done to succeed. It makes you accountable. Keep a journal. How do you know where you are if you don’t know where you’ve been?
2) Goals must have a deadline Deadlines are important because humans respond better under pressure and, if your goal has a certain timeframe, there's pressure to get it done. Setting a deadline helps ensure completion of our goals. In your home, office or even in your wallet, put up pictures or other information to motivate you on the goal you want to work towards whether it be a competition, race, wedding or reunion.
3) Goals are stronger in the present tense Putting your goals in present tense makes them more powerful. All of a sudden, the goal becomes framed as a reality. Using present tense creates a “feeling-the-feeling” that is present when you actually achieve your goal. And this allows the mind to conceive and achieve the goal.
4) Scheduling and Organization Skills Schedule your workouts like you would a meeting at work or a doctor appointment so you don’t miss it! You need to be organized enough within your daily life to allow yourself a good deal of time each week to dedicate to fitness and preparing and cooking healthy meals.
5) Get enough sleep Make sure to get at least 7 – 8 hours sleep each night to help your body recover.
6) Family & Friend Support/Role Model Having these people support your goals will make the whole process much less stressful and easier to complete. By having someone who you look up to, whether it is for their values, their hard work, or how they look, you will be providing yourself with a measure on which to measure yourself with.
7) Reward System By setting small rewards after each step in your plan, you will give yourself something to look forward to and keep yourself motivated to keep pushing onward. Aside from rewarding yourself with cheat foods, it’s even better to reward yourself with new workout clothes, tennis shoes or a new ipod to keep you on track and focused.
8) Knowledge Having a good knowledge base is critical to putting together any workout program. If you yourself don't know a whole lot about fitness and weight training, consulting a fitness trainer or someone who is currently working out and has a great deal of experience with this issue. If you are more independent, take up reading some quality books, journals, magazines, and online sites.
9) Other hobbies and interests It’s important to have other hobbies and interests while you’re your training. While it's important to be truly passionate and dedicated to your fitness routine and diet, if it's really your only interest you will become burnt out very quickly. Having outside interests will help keep your mind fresh and keep you looking forward to each and every one of your workouts.
10) The best tip is to focus on what your dreams on and don't let anyone discourage you on achieving those. You only have one life - enjoy it to the fullest! Drive, dedication and determination will lead your way to success.