A few years ago my mom said to me, “I have struggled with my weight my whole life.” From that point on, I have been determined to slowly gain control of my overall health. I don’t want to “struggle” the rest of my life. I’m sure you feel the same way.

What’s the difference between a struggle and a challenge? It’s your mindset. Everything you do, say and believe all starts with your thoughts. Here are a few tips that will help you mentally tackle your 2017 goals:

1. Visualize.
   View the needed lifestyle change as a new challenge that is going to create a better you. Flip the script and look at this whole “healthy lifestyle” thing as a change that is going to make a positive impact on your life.
2. Focus.
   Kick out those negative thoughts that bring you down. Create a saying or a phrase that you repeat over and over in your head every time those defeating thoughts spring up. Lately I have been reminding myself, “no challenge, no change”. To see any results, I have to push myself.
3. Remember.
   Don’t forget how far you have come. If you don’t feel like you’ve achieved much, remember just making a tiny effort is improvement. It’s all about baby steps. Even if you are taking two steps forward and one step back, you are progressing.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. You are going to trip and fall. That doesn’t mean you are struggling. Use it as a learning experience and keep pushing. Make 2017 your year, no matter what life throws at you. You got this!