So you’ve decided to start getting fit and healthy–Changing up your eating habits, working out, the whole bit. Well that’s AWESOME & you should already be proud of yourself! But I know how overwhelming it can be in the beginning when you’re first starting out so I wanted to share some things that might make this whole lifestyle change a little easier to stick with.  These are some tips that I wish I would’ve known starting out and things that I try to remember when I’m trying anything new.

Remember to be easy on yourself and just focus on making this fitness thing a habit. Take baby steps towards your goals and be sure to celebrate each step you take! 

1. Perfection will get you nowhere fast. You do not need to be perfect, and you shouldn’t be! Aiming for perfection results in no progress. It results in getting stuck on all of the possible details instead of just getting to work. Remember that this first few weeks is more about making little changes in your eating & exercise habits to create a new, maintainable lifestyle. Don’t beat yourself up if everything isn’t perfect–because I can promise it won’t be! Just focus on making small, consistent progress.

2. It’s okay for things to be a little messy.  This will be a little messy as you figure out what works best for you, your body and your schedule. This will take time, patience and consistent effort but once you do, you will be set up for a new, happy, balanced and maintainable lifestyle!

3. Don’t aim to change it all NOW.  Your body didn’t get to where it currently is overnight and it won’t transform overnight either. Stick with it, remember your goals and don’t get discouraged. Make sure that you focus on making small changes over time–NOT all at once. Changing everything all at once will just give you a sense of loss and frustration. Don’t aim to change it all now. Aim to change just one thing this week, and then maybe next week you can try adding something else new. Every week set yourself a new goal to achieve and pat yourself on the back once you crush it!

4. Every BODY is different. Everyone has different goals, different body types, and different methods that work best for them. What’s easy for one person might be crazy hard for another. Focus on finding your own happy balance and don’t compare yourself to anyone else. We’re all unique and keeping that in mind will help make implementing this new habit that much easier!

5. A Buddy Always Helps. Find someone that is willing to commit to this new habit with you. Having someone go through this fitness journey too will make loads of difference. It will make this new change more fun, help motivate you and most importantly, hold you accountable to this new habit. Someone else is counting on you so you can’t just skip out. Just make sure it’s someone that’s serious about this change and ready to make it happen too!

Remember, in the beginning, we’re really focusing on creating a habit more than anything. You want to be consistent and that requires forming a habit. I know you can do this, you know you can do this, all you have to do is show up, put in the work and remember the tips above.

Do you have anything else that’s really helped you out in the beginning? I’d love to hear your tips and struggles!

Until next time!

Xoxo / Ashley