If you look around, nearly half of the people you see share a common statistic. They are part of the 45% of Americans preparing to make New Year’s Resolutions. Yet while roughly 77.5 million Americans make their resolutions, only 8% are actually successful at achieving them.

However, you can be part of the 8% whose lives are improved because they chose to start on a positive new path. Even if you’ve tried and failed before, 2017 can be the year that you make that fitness and health goal and see it through.

We’ve got 7 proven Warrior tactics to help you achieve your fitness resolutions and prepare you for your best life yet:

1. Start Today – It’s probably no surprise that 75% of folks keep their resolutions for a week but for those who are trying to rewire their brains toward a more positive lifestyle the actions behind those fitness resolutions have to last far beyond.

“There’s no time like the present…” was first uttered in 1562 and still holds true today. Writer John Trusler built upon this proverb in 1790 with an added note of caution. “There’s no time like the present, a thousand unforeseen circumstances may interrupt you at a future time.”

2. Make a Specific Fitness Goal – People with explicit goals are 10 times more likely to achieve them. So, while “losing weight” and “getting healthier” is a good place to start, narrow your focus to give yourself a fighting chance. Choose a fitness resolution such as:

- I will go to the gym 3 times per week.

- I will eat a vegetable with each meal.

- I will work to get my first chin-up in 2017

Repeating these objectives will help keep you on a more successful trajectory.

3. Find a Role Model – You don’t need to look any further than the students at TFW South Metro. This tightknit group of warriors represents the best examples of setting personal goals and achieving them. Every day you show up you’ll experience a unique relationship with others of all ages and abilities.

Combine the remarkably supportive members with the outstanding, committed coaches and you’ve got the recipe for success. You may find some big talkers out there, but you will not find a real place that boasts this inclusive Familia culture.

4. Recruit a Friend – Sometimes it’s difficult to muster up the motivation to keep that resolution but recruiting a friend makes the challenge less daunting.

When you hold each other accountable you share some of that motivational energy and actually produce more of it. Commit to exercising or explore new healthy meals together, and you’ll build a positive vibe into your lifestyle changes.

5. Change Your Self-Talk – There is no time like the present to change your self-talk in all areas of your life. In the book, Words Can Change Your Brain, neuroscientist Andrew Newburg and communications expert Mark Robert Walden share that “Using positive words more often than negative words can activate the motivational centers of the brain, propelling them into action.”

Recognize that your brain is your most powerful habit-changing tool. Take note of the discussions taking place there. Recognize how often you fall into negative self-talk and commit to replacing those messages with positive language.

6. Keep a Journal – It can take between 28-100 days to build a habit, depending on the difficulty. You may want to track yourself through this period to focus on the positive changes you are making. Examine your eating patterns to see where you can improve. Record the progression of push-ups, pull-ups or heavy lifts that are moving you closer to a goal.

These details will remind you of all the constructive steps you are taking toward your fitness resolution.

You can be part of the determined minority to change your life for the better. Start preparing now and by January 1, 2017 you’ll be off and running. We’ve got the perfect kickstart to usher in the New Year. Check out our brand new (and FREE) video series called Fitness Week, which will go over simple habits to accomplish your fitness resolutions!

6 Ways to Get a Head Start on Your New Year’s Fitness Resolution