Bad habits that have become a way of life, and that you know are doing you no good. It’s the naughty little voice in your head that has become a familiar friend.

The one that says, “go on do it, you can change next week or next month, or better still, next year”!

The top three new year's resolutions that I hear from people are in relation to their health, fitness and lifestyle.

However, as the numbers tick over from year to year, people still maintain the need to improve these areas.

So I ask you now, how are you going to make 2014 different to the rest? What are you going to do differently? And which steps will you take to affect change in your health, fitness and lifestyle?

The key to steering yourself towards the lifestyle you dream about is setting realistic goals. It’s ok to dream big, and in fact I’m all for that, however you need work at base level first.

Start by setting yourself a goal that will dip your toe just outside your comfort zone. 

Upon success, make your next move a full step beyond. And before you know it, you will be working your way, realistically, towards your major goal. Chasing your dream.

Having said that, I’m pretty sure most of you reading this will already know what to do. So me telling you how, may not go beyond the first week of January. Self-motivation is a very hard thing to come by!

If you’ve got it then kudos to you, you are one of the lucky ones. But if like most of us, you struggle to stay motivated then here’s my big tip – enlist help! There is a reason why one of the most common Google searches in January is for Personal trainers.

Surround yourself with positive people who will support you in your journey.

Take note of inspirational people, and use their achievements to motivate you in yours. Here’s some inspiration for you.

A 60-plus-year-old couple ran a marathon a day for an entire year (www.runningrawaroundaustralia.com)!

They continued to run on day 366 so that they could break the world record. Now that is true commitment to following through!

Here’s another motivation for you, I’m offering one lucky reader the opportunity to win a place in my next 12 Week Challenge.

That’s 12 weeks of lifestyle coaching, healthy eating advice and training for free!

All you need to do is visit www.shapehealthandfitness.com.au and tell me the name of the person who wrote the 12 week challenge testimonial along with a list of your 2014 goals.

Email your entries to info@shapefitnessvic.com.au

Here’s what our last competition winner achieved;

Introducing Donna, mother of two small children, Zara and Riley.

Donna won the exercise photo competition with her picture voted most popular.

With her prize, Donna completed our 12 Week Challenge and lost 10kgs.

This is Donna’s after picture. Well done on achieving your goals Donna!

Amy Holmes is a personal trainer and owner of Shape Health and Fitness, and Shape, Rattle ‘n’ Stroll.