Keeping a fitness journal

Get ready to embark on the fitness wagon. Pay no attention to the times you may have fallen off. The journey to your goals is about to commence and journalling will help you to remain on track.

Creating a fitness journal:
•Helps you set goals, visualize them and make a concise agenda on how to achieve them
•Makes you accountable for your actions
•Reveals truths about habits you may not be consciously aware of
•Persistently reminds you of your aspiration

So don't procrastinate, pick up a pen and some paper and start a record of the steps you're taking to a healthy living.

Step 1: Create short-term and long-term goals and write them in your journal

Long-term goals are ambitions you are working towards. Look to the future and ask yourself: What major accomplishment am I striving for? It could be to go from a size 14 to a size 8 or to incorporate a healthier lifestyle. Make these goals visual daily -- post pictures and words of encouragement to remind you of what you're striving for.

Short-term goals are the baby steps on the ladder to success. These measurable targets will lead you to achieve long-term goals. A short-term goal can be to lose five pounds in one month and perform three action steps: "I will work out three times a week, cut out four snacks a week, and read about wellness techniques."

Once you achieve short-term goals and are about to set the next ones, give yourself incentive to stay on track by implementing a reward system. Make the reward appropriate, for instance-after losing five pounds treat yourself to a massage or relaxing foot bath instead of a piece of chocolate cake.

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