It’s six weeks before the summer reveal—countdown is on!

Let’s face it—it’s not all that difficult starting a fitness routine. The trouble, of course, comes with committing to it. All too often we set our goals, achieve them and then get distracted by other things going on in our lives, or we get impatient because we’re not seeing results quickly enough and we just give up.

Yet the ones that adhere to their plans and push through those tough moments of weakness get the results. What’s their secret?

The truth is, there is no secret. The answer lies within you to achieve your absolute best in whatever you choose to achieve. Let’s look at the cycle of the decision-making proces—the initial thought is created in the preconception phase. We get inspired by a picture or an article or seeing an athlete perform and the seed is planted. Then comes the contemplation phase, where one begins to wonder what it would be like to achieve the goal and how much work it will entail. During this phase, one may decide that it’s going to be too difficult to achieve or may be totally inspired and want to start immediately.

Then comes decision time. Either you are in or you are out. By the time you get to this phase, you have weighed all the pros and cons and are ready for momentum. That’s when the real work begins.

So, once you have your priorities in the right place, how can you become among the fitness faithful?

1. Do a variety of activities you enjoy. Consider joining a running group, group fitness studio or investing in a personal trainer. Remember, there’s no rule that says you need to buy equipment or an expensive gym membership. Try changing your perception of fitness from out of the gym into functional fitness—fitness that will enhance your life.

Having a variety of activities like weightlifting, walking, boot camp classes, running, spinning, tennis, hiking and aerobics classes will ensure that you can succeed in your goal regardless of the weather or time of day.

2. Commit to another person and/or group fitness class. The social aspect of exercise is important for success, because you almost become responsible for your actions if you don’t pitch up. If you have agreed to go for a run with a friend after dinner, you won’t let them down.

If you have a boyfriend or partner, encourage them to keep you on track. Let them become involved with your fitness and goals. Make it a team effort.

3. Make exercise a priority. If you make it non-negotiable, you will succeed.

4. Exercise first thing in the morning. If you plan your workout early in the morning, nothing during the day can sabotage your workout. Too often, clients tell me they had planned a spin class at 6:30 p.m., but then got called into a meeting and had to miss the class. Also, trying to generate motivation at 9 p.m. for a workout is bound to lead to failure. For those who believe they are not morning people, think again. Change your thoughts to succeed!

5. Or exercise immediately after work. If you absolutely cannot do morning workouts, do your workouts before going home. If you go home, you will likely get occupied by other things—or worse, you’re likely to relax, and that’s an exercise killer!

6. If you are tired, use it as motivation for exercising. Make that feeling a notification to yourself that you need to get moving. The amazing thing is, you will actually feel re-energized after exercising.

7. Keep a fitness journal. Write down your workouts, how you felt before the workout and after. Chart your nutrition. Track your heart rate zones while doing cardio. The more you make yourself aware of what you are doing, the closer you will get to achieving the goal.

8. Buy a motivation outfit. Let that bikini swimsuit or favorite pair of jeans be your measure of how you are succeeding. Of course, there are other progress indicators—such as improved sleep, clearer thoughts, increased energy and greater flexibility—but compliments from friends is one of the best indicators, and who doesn’t love being able to show their results off?

9. Keep moving. When you slow down, things slow down in your life. Keep the momentum in your eating plan, train harder, ride your bike further, climb a higher mountain. Keep achieving and pushing your limits.  Keep reassessing your goals. Once you have achieved your initial goal, look for another one. Keep moving, remain inspired and live your best life today.

10. Congratulate yourself and your accomplishments. Life is about the journey and not about the destination. If you experience some setbacks in your fitness, try not to become despondent. Allow the setbacks to make you aware of where you need to make changes in your life and then go for it!

Before joining Dr. Drew’s daytime television show Lifechangers, Coach Marc Montemerlo trained Hollywood stars like Reese Witherspoon, Chris O’Donnell and Marcia Cross. He helped them to shed unwanted pounds, gain muscle tone and improve their overall health and appearance. His regimen does more than exercise the body. Through his fitness academy held daily at the Fitness Factory in West Hollywood, Coach Marc also works to exercise minds as well. Says the coach, “If you want to achieve real, long-lasting results, you need to tackle mental weakness as well.”

Breaking bad habits is key. Smoking, drinking, overeating and laziness all stem from the mind. If you want to find balance in life—the ultimate goal, according to Coach Marc—it is important to develop habits that lift the spirit and get you moving in the direction towards physical and mental fitness. For more information on Marc’s Fitness Academy, go to mymfitt.com.