I’ve had some great conversations with clients lately about goal setting, and one thing that I’m left struggling with is…how do we stay on track when we haven’t met our goals? Anyone who knows me knows that I’m all about setting goals…especially those of the realistic, short-term (and easily rewarded)variety. But the reality is that, with busy lives and established (bad) habits, meeting even short-term goals can feel like an uphill battle. It’s so easy to say “I’m not going to eat any of the junk food around the office this week” or “I’m not going to drink this weekend.” But the more often we tell ourselves that we’re not going to do something, and then fail to keep that promise, the less likely we are to honor our goals in the future. It’s just natural to join in on the monthly luncheons or birthday parties at work, or to go out for the occasional happy hour. And I would never tell someone to completely change their social lives the second they start training. But here’s what I think…

Spend a month establishing and meeting positive daily goals. DAILY. Example: “I’m going to take a 10 minute walk tonight after dinner.” “I’m going to drink a full glass of water between every glass of wine at that party tomorrow.” “I’m going to eat one fruit or vegetable at every meal.” Think about how much physical activity you’re engaging in each day, how many whole foods you’re consuming, how much water you drink, what time you go to bed… and just focus on one of those areas each day.

If you really want to become a more fit, happier and healthier person, you need to believe that it’s possible. Every. Single. Day. Start today by choosing one healthy activity you can do this afternoon or evening and make it happen. Think positively, act positively and feel positively wonderful!