It's almost February 1.  An entire month has passed since the inception of our ground-breaking plans to better ourselves. 

Anyone making progress?

I've often heard complaints about the gym being too crowded during the month of January.  Too many people believing they'll stick to an exercise routine that will actually help them shed the 10-15 lbs. they've been meaning to shed for the past 10-15 years. 

If you have met with success or at least maintained consistency on your road to improvement – good for you.  As for the others, well, there's always next year.    

So what makes New Year's resolutions so exciting?  What's all the hype about? Change. Improvement. Advancement.  Everyone is up for a little change.  Especially when the change is for the better.  The idea of starting with a fresh slate is always enticing and encouraging. 

So, if you're having a difficult time sticking with your goals don't get discouraged.  Break down your goals into smaller, attainable steps - or set up landmarks along the way.  Reward yourself for reaching the small accomplishments.  Don't get discouraged. Working out 3 days a week instead of every day for the rest of the year is probably a more attainable aspiration. 

Change is exciting – but you have to work hard for it – consistently.  If your resolution was to pound the gym – I hope your sneakers aren't already accumulated dust.  Bottom line, don't get burned out.  After all, it is only February 1.