By Paula Bowers-Sanchez

Motivation. Are you finding it hard to set and stick to goals?

I am having a tough time, feeling sluggish…

So, I did some research on how to get – and stay – motivated to make those critical decisions that will help me with weight management and my exercising goals.

I mean, we have to learn to recognize what it is that makes us feel “de-motivated.”

We all have those days when we just feel like there’s no gas left in the tank.

However, my research shows that successful people are people who have developed strategies or a definite plan of action to deal with those sluggish thoughts that threaten to disrupt their journey of good health.

I have found that if we make exercise a part of our daily routine, like brushing our teeth, instead of dreading it as if it were an undesirable chore, we will be successful.

I live by these few steps to help me stay motivated and get me through those lazy days:

1. Start slow. Make small rather than big changes (such as no cheese on your salad or start walking 30 minutes a day).

2. Write goals down that you want to accomplish each day (like a “to-do” list).

3. Find and keep a workout buddy.

4. Take your workout clothes with you. If you exercise before work, have them laid out and ready the night before.

5. Reward yourself when you achieve milestones.

6. Set realistic goals. Don’t expect a quick fix.

Remember: Change takes time. We are creatures of habit, so it will not happen overnight, but if you stick with it and keep moving forward, you will succeed.

It’s a New Year; time for new beginnings.