Entertainer Woody Allen once said that 80 percent of success is showing up. While Mr. Allen is not the most likely source of fitness-related inspiration, his words of wisdom garner a second look when it comes to our approach to health. What would our progress look like if we stood firm in our commitment to simply “show up”?

Research shows that 50% of all people who begin an exercise program will drop-out within first six months. Why? Things ran late at the office… It looks like it may rain… I don’t feel comfortable in the gym yet… I just don’t have time to work out today… These often-used explanations become barriers that keep us from carrying out our well-intentioned health/fitness objectives. Failing to overcome these obstacles places our success in jeopardy – simply because we failed to show up.

The truth is that there will always be something competing for our attention and time. We have all been gifted with 24 hours each day – no more, no less. We must be careful not to let conquerable situations camouflage themselves as unavoidable obstacles. The majority of obstacles – if not all – can be conquered with the right game plan. “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out,” said best-selling inspirational writer Robert Collier. To achieve success, we must commit daily to being present.

Being committed takes commitment. As redundant as that may be, establishing the habit of commitment to health and fitness starts with a commitment to goals, to planning, and to a lifestyle. A lifestyle that incorporates healthy choices on a daily basis requires thought and organization, but mastering these basics gives us the tools to succeed regardless of the obstacles!

1. Revisit/Revise Your Goals. In the last series of Glisten articles, “Nothing But A Number [Part Two]” helped identify the importance of choosing goals wisely. When setting or reevaluating your health and fitness goals, consider the commitment it will take to meet and exceed them. Be specific, and be realistic. Setting a series of smaller, achievable goals will eventually lead to the accomplishment an overall, major goal. Remember, select your goals based on what’s important to you, and your success will undoubtedly be appreciated!

Your Re:Action ? Write down a health/fitness goal you would like to achieve in the next month. Then, for each of the next four weeks, commit to setting a weekly health/fitness goal to help reach that overall goal. Be specific about the steps necessary to achieve that goal. Try to improve your goal each week!