Barriers to Your Success

I often meet people that have a list of barriers to their fitness and health goals. They list the time it takes, the things they have to do in a day, work, other people putting restrictions on their time and endless items that they have come up with. The one thing they forgot to list is themselves! The biggest barrier to your success is you.

You create your days filled with things you want and need to accomplish. You have a certain amount of minutes in each day. You have prioritized and highlighted those things that must get done and those that can wait until tomorrow. In that list, however, where is time for yourself? Remember, this is your day. This is your life and you are in charge of all of it.

In order to make time for yourself try some of these helpful tips:

1. Schedule time every day for you. Just like appointments, meetings, etc. you must be on the to-do list. On your calendar write down the time you are working out and schedule it in advance. Make it the most important appointment you have that day!

2. Commit to a routine. Have a plan and follow it. A great plan is only a plan until executed. You must actually follow through with your intentions for the results to happen.

3. Be honest. You are the only one who knows what works for you. If you know you are not able to control yourself when you buy that ice cream...you cannot have it in the house. If you are not a morning person, set your exercise for later in the day when you know you will be able to complete it. Be honest because the only person you are telling lies to is yourself.

4. Reward yourself! Set a goal and when completed, design a reward system. I will exercise 6 days this week and journal everything I eat and when completed I will schedule a massage for 60 minutes! Who doesn't like a reward based challenge?

Finally, know that you are in charge of designing your healthy and meaningful life. You are in charge of where you are, and where you are going. The control is yours to take charge and start making changes that will make a difference for a lifetime!