Meet Tracy Shaw, mom of two, resident of Land’o’Lakes, Florida, blogger at Having Fun Saving and Jazzercise enthusiast. Here she offers 15 tips to help you stay motivated and focused so you can achieve your goals. Because Tracy believes that you deserve to be successful. And, we do, too!

Keeping your fitness goals can be hard. Life happens. Did you know that only 8 percent of people actually keep their New Year’s resolutions?

EIGHT PERCENT.

My healthy lifestyle journey took a turn back in October. I had a milestone birthday that got celebrated…a lot. Then my husband and I had a trip to Napa, then there came the holidays. I was still working out, but not daily. And there was all that food! Then POOF it was January. Getting back on the fitness train, I managed to tear the meniscus in my knee. Fun times.

I am a runner, biker, and Jazzerciser. Sitting idle at home is not an option for me. I like wine and chocolate too much for that! (Wink, wink.)

So, I did something that I haven’t done in over 12 years. I walked into a gym. I will openly admit that I was a bit nervous, even intimidated. I mean I haven’t touched a “machine” in forever! But I walked in like I knew what I was doing and casually tried reading the “how-to” pictures without thinking that everyone was staring at me like I was a dork and had no clue.

Truth is, no one was staring at me, in fact, if I had a question, there was plenty of people that were happy to help. By day three, I actually felt like I had an idea of what I was doing and I felt that even though being in a gym was completely new to me, I was back on track with my fitness goals and well on my way back to class. These are some of the things I did to stay motivated:

1. Set Realistic Goals – and don’t be afraid to change them if needed. I was supposed to run a half marathon, but with a knee injury, I re-imagined the goal and plan to walk a 10k with a friend.
2. Make a Plan – This as simple as working out 4 times a week, or making sure to walk on your lunch break. The point is, have a plan to stick to.
3. Buy Workout Clothes – This is a commitment! Not only to yourself, but you are saying “I am worth investing a few hard-earned dollars in.”
4. Work Out for A Reason – Like goal-setting, make sure you are working towards something. Better flexibility, more arm strength, better health, whatever motivates you to reach that next goal.
5. Drink More Water – We are made of water; you need to replenish it. Take half of your body weight, and that is how many ounces you should drink a day. So, if you weigh 150 lbs., you should drink 75 ounces.
6. Handle Those Cravings – Oh, this is a hard one. To battle a craving, ask yourself “Am I thirsty? Tired? Frustrated?” Answer those needs first and see if you still have the desire to indulge.
7. Eat Well –Try to give your body lots of fruits, vegetables, and protein to make your calories work for you, not against you. Try new whole foods – quinoa, smoothies!
8. Plan an Event – No, not a party. A 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, whatever. Give yourself an actual date to work towards.
9. Try a New Workout – Whether it be a class, or going to the gym for the first time in 12 years. Trying something new can be a great motivator.
10. Get a Workout Buddy – Everything is better with friends! Having another person holding you accountable is a huge help.
11. Track Your Progress – Whether it be by the number on the scale, your BMI changing, your jeans fitting better, you just feeling better. Give yourself a way to note your successes.
12. Reward Yourself – Speaking of success…celebrate them! Maybe you lost one pound this week or skipped the fast food drive-through. Maybe you just had a great day. Celebrate it!!! You have to take care of you and that means rewarding yourself now and again.
13. Keep a Food Journal – Writing down everything you eat holds you accountable, which may point out where you eat more than you thought in a day. Calories add up!
14. Have Fun – Enjoy what you are doing. Go to a new class, try something new, bring a book with you to read while you do cardio. If you are looking forward to your workout, you’re more likely to do it.
15. Keep Trying – This is probably the most important tip I have for you: DON’T. GIVE. UP. Keep trying. This is for YOU, and can only be done by YOU. So, keep trying. You deserve to win.

What tips do you have for keeping your fitness goals?