Plan it Out

You've heard it once, you've heard it twice, and you'll hear it again from me...

IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL!

This phrase rings true time and time again and can be applied to any type of goal or aspiration.  Obtaining your dreams is for the most part merely a matter of adequate planning and preparation. 

Some steps and ideas to help you prepare yourself for ultimate success:

Short Term
Regards to health and fitness

• Plan your meals for the week- pick a single day and time that your meal plan for the week with take place.  Create a menu, and not just a chicken and veggies menu, but have some substance and meals you can look forward to during the week, such as steak fajitas or slow cooker chicken stew.  
• Prep your food for the week- Select one or two days out of the week when you can prep as much food as you can to help you through the week.  This may include making your own on-the-go protein bars, washing and slicing all of the veggies you'll need for the next three days, or grilling up a grundle of chicken breasts to last you through the week.  This is a very important step, as this will help eliminate the need or desire to eat out.
• Visualize your week of workouts-  Create a log of workouts you want to do for the week based on what you are looking to achieve in the upcoming months.   This is not a difficult task as one workout routine will last you a few weeks, however it is important to review this at least once a week and determine what you can change, such as adding more weight to an exercise, greater intensity, or simply more enthusiasm for the routine you are about to embark in.  

Long Term

• Remind yourself regularly why you are committing to a healthy lifestyle.  While a transition into a clean healthy lifestyle may not always be easy it is SO worth it!  You must remind yourself why you want to eat clean and exercise regularly, this will help you maintain focus and positivity through some of the more grueling moments that can come now and again.
• Have a realistic and obtainable goal in mind.  This will help keep you driven and preforming at your best.  Pushing oneself provides opportunities for growth and a continued purpose.  Have a goal you can look forward to, but be sure it does not rule you.  Have balance in your pursuit, and appreciate the fact that good things come to those who work hard and are patient.
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