So you decided to lose 20 pounds… two years ago. And all you’re successful with is to gain five pounds more over the last two weeks. It’s really tough to stick to a fitness regimen and actually get the results that you’ve dreamed for yourself. So how do you actually will yourself to meet your fitness goals? Here are a few ideas that might help you.

Strive for consistency – For the first two weeks into your regimen, don’t think about getting results first. You must first settle into your workout schedule. You might even find it hard to get over the three-day hump where you find yourself too lousy to even do some warm ups. But once you do find your rhythm, you’d find it easier to work out.

Go short-term – Usually you target the end-all-and-be-all of fitness routines. Rippling biceps, a bulging chest, six-pack abs. While there’s no reason for you not to achieve these, be realistic. How long will you need in order to those results. If you’re coming from obesity, it’s quite unreasonable for you to hope for a tight and muscular body. Think of a goal that would be realistic. Think in terms of a three- or six-month period.

Target milestones – Subdivide your routine into phases and cap each one with a realistic goal. How much weight do you want to lose per week? Aside from just measuring your size and weight, gauge your performance. Can you handle speedier sessions on the treadmill? How many more reps can you push yourself each passing week? This way, you can also boost workout intensity.