Ugh! Here we go again, creeping up on another year and another shot at following through with our New Year’s resolutions. But do we really understand—or even care—about creating a new fitness plan for the new year? I see it year after year, like clockwork—the new gym memberships are purchased and already existing members dust off their cards in hopes that this time they will get that better body.

Like most people, you’ve probably forgotten or fallen through on almost every single one of your New Year’s resolutions. You probably tell yourself, “I’ll just enjoy the holiday and start anew come January.” But whether you realize it or not, you are setting yourself up for failure. You are what you eat, and the thousands of unnecessary calories you’ll consume between now and New Year’s Eve will make it that much harder to get your mind in “workout mode.”

Let’s fix that, because you’ll be damned to let one more year beat you, right? This is the time to give yourself that wake-up call and a verbal pep talk acknowledging and reprimanding yourself for your current state of being.

Our bodies are the single most important thing we have. If it breaks down, your job, family and, most importantly, your health will suffer severely.

This is the time to start reprogramming yourself and instilling a new, positive, “must-do” attitude. We use this tactic on a daily basis when we wake up, go to the bathroom, shower, brush our teeth, eat, go to work, etc. Now insert “Go to the gym.” With time, going to the gym will become second nature. You simply have to do it! You don’t think about it, you don’t question it, you just go. Commit to two days a week of going to the gym, then shoot for three, then four, then five.

I did not achieve my personal fitness goals over night—it took time and consistency. Nothing worthwhile comes with ease, and we all know that. There are thousands of companies that are rich and successful because we fall for their “get in shape quick” schemes and fitness gizmos. Right now, at this moment, decide to accept and commit to building a new you!

Creating the mental aspect takes constant self-coaching. Verbally ask yourself, “What are my physical results going to be if I exercise regularly?” Answer the question in writing and reflect on the results—weight loss, muscle gain, definition, toning and a boost in energy and self-confidence. Also focus on how your life will change—you’ll be able to run the marathon you always wanted to run, finally take up snowboarding or simply have enough energy to go out with friends after a long day at work.

So you’ve been out of shape for five-plus years? So you don’t see a change in three weeks or even three months? Don’t let yourself get frustrated—you’ve been out of shape for five-plus years, so give yourself a year! Allow your body a chance to react to your new healthy lifestyle. Your body has been going in one direction for a long time. It takes time for the body to slow down and then finally go into the direction you want it to.

For additional questions, feel free to visit me at aaronsavvy.com.