Have you ever started on a fitness routine with diet and exercise only to realize that is more than you could handle? That there were all sorts of unexpected questions and difficulties that caused you to lose focus, motivation and faith in yourself? Often we don’t take the time to really think about the commitment we are making and we become discouraged. By asking these 7 Questions before you start your new diet or exercise lifestyle, you will mentally prepare your mind for the road ahead!

1. What is my goal?

So often we reach a point where we say “ENOUGH! I have to do something about my health!” We then get excited and start working out or dieting without even setting a goal of what we want for ourselves. The reality is that without a clearly defined intention we have no destination.  Make sure that before you start you have a clear picture of what you want. It can be ANYTHING! Set a goal to weigh 20 pounds less. Set a goal to have a certain cholesterol count. Set a goal to fit into a certain pair of jeans or size. Whatever it is make sure that its big enough to be excited about and something that you can close your eyes and visualize yourself achieving.

2. Why do I want this?

Our reasons and motives in life are the only thing that inspires us to take action. Ask yourself why you want to lose 20 pounds. Is it to feel better about yourself? Is it so you will be able to participate in a 3K? Is it so that you will look great the next time you get into a swimsuit? Our “why” is the greatest tool we can use to stay motivated and absolutely necessary to overcome the obstacles that face us as we begin our journey towards a healthy lifestyle

3. What program is right for me?

After deciding what your goal is and why you want it, the next step is determining what exercise program and nutritional regiment will get you the result you want. If you want to gain muscle than you lift weights. If you want to build endurance for running you do cardio. If you want cleanse your body you cut out animal fats and empty carbs. Beachbody offers a wide variety of programs to target your specific goal and get the result you want. As your coach I can help you determine the program and diet that is right for you.

4. What am I willing to give?

Anything great that we want to achieve in our life has a price tag attached. More than often is not a price in the sense of money, but instead a cost of our time and action. There are specific actions to take and habits to form that are REQUIRED for you to reach your goal. If you don’t do them, you don’t get the results you want. These actions and habits are not always “fun”. They can be hard to start and continue doing but they are the PRICE that we must pay for long term happiness. The most important question that shows you whether or not your ready to start and commit is “Am I willing to do what it takes.”

5. Am I ready to commit?

After deciding exactly what your goal is, why you want it, and what it will take, we must make a decision in our mind and heart if we will commit to seeing it though. Our journey towards success is full of obstacles, failures and questions of confidence. Committing to achieve your goal is saying to yourself “No matter WHAT happens I will never quit. Through high points and low points, successes and temporary defeat, I will continue until I achieve my goal.” Unless we commit %100 with all of our being to our journey we will fail. If we are not ready to commit, it is better for us not to start and instead wait until we are ready.

6. When will I start?

We are time sensitive. We work great with deadlines. When you set a date on when your old life will end and your new healthy fit life will begin you mind begins mentally preparing you for the road ahead. Allow yourself to become excited about changing your life. Say to yourself “I can’t WAIT for my START DATE!” Use the time between your decision to get fit and start date to constantly visualize the new person you will be

7. Who will keep me accountable?

We are not meant to do life alone. There is power and strength in the support of others. Without having someone to hold you to your commitment it can become easy to taper off and slowly sink back into the everyday habits that have held us captive and unhappy for so long.  Ask your friends and family to support you and keep you focused. Allow me to coach you through your transformation and achieve the same results I have. I have been where you are and know what it takes to push to a new level of fitness and freedom. There is nothing that we can not achieve together.