We all start our week off with the hopes of waking up for our Monday morning workout. We set our clothes out, we pre-prepare our breakfast, and then we go to sleep setting our alarms bright and early. Then, when that rooster calls, we snooze until the last minute of “shoot I have to shower yet before work”. The real question is: “Why?”

Being a morning person is easier than it sounds. Anyone can set an alarm and anyone can make the big plans the night before. The big effort comes when it is sunrise and it is about time to roll out of bed. We all have our “but” meaning that we all have that reason why we didn’t roll out of bed that morning and why we didn’t choose “health” over everything else. The real question is: What is your “but”?

The first step is to set a goal. Whether it is to run a 5K, skip dessert, or even just not have any snacks after 7PM. Decide on the change you want to make and figure out how you are going to do it. If you don’t plan ahead of time how you are going to respond to those temptations, then you will have no chance to over come them. The best bet for you to succeed will be to set an alarm. Whether that alarm is telling you to get out of bed, don’t grab the chocolate, or even to not eat after a certain time: set the clock! A constant reminder is the best way to stay on track.

Next up, decide why you want to make a change. If your goal is to be skinny, find a new goal. If you goal is to lose a ton of weight, again, find a new goal. Your real goal should be one thing: be healthy. Pills, diet shakes, frozen meals; none of them will get you to where you want to be. The best idea is to announce your goal, whether it is to a friend or the public. Here is mine: “My goal is to be a 80 year old woman that is running 5K’s”. How will I reach that goal? “I plan to care about my health now and eat right, exercise, but also know when to balance real life and healthy life.” My suggestion to you is to decide on your goal, decide why you want to change, and write it down. Post it somewhere you will see EVERYDAY so that you are reminded why you want to make a change.

It’s easy, and I am sure you have heard it a million times. If you don’t start now, when are you going to? It is easier to start a habit now than later, so figure out right away, what is your “but”? When you figure out what it is, conquer it.

“Always remember that it doesn’t matter how slow you go, as long as you keep on going”

~Kenzi Weidman