No matter what you are trying to achieve, it is important to have a goal. Decide now what you main goal is going to be. Then break it up into measurable chunks so that you can track your progress.

Here's the question to ask yourself to define your goal: "In 2008 I will _______." Be specific. Here are some examples of goals that are not very well defined:

• Lose some weight
• Build some muscle
• Fit into smaller pants
• Get buff

The problem with each of these is that they are not very well defined. Here are some examples of a better way to do it:

• Lose 50 lbs by June 1, 2008.
• Add 15 lbs of muscle by my birthday
• Fit into a 32" pant by Father's Day

What do these goal statements have in common? They have a specific measurable outcome and a date to achieve them by. That's the way you want to set your goals for 2008. Look back at your goals from 2007. Were they well defined? If not, that could be one reason why you didn't accomplish the goal: you never really defined in a measurable way what it was!

Once you decide what you goal is, write a statement about what you want to achieve. Then, if you really want to give yourself the best chance of reaching it you should read that statement every day. Take a few minutes now and then and visualize yourself and how you'll look and feel when you reach that goal. This can be a very motivating exercise to keep yourself on track.

Make sure you make a plan and stick to that plan. Set your plan up in segments of a couple of weeks. Most people have a very hard time sticking to a "one year plan." Having a 6 week plan is much easier to stick to. Then at the end of 6 weeks you can re-evaluate and make adjustments.

2008 is going to be a great year for getting in shape, but only if you want it to be!

About the Author: Dan Patterson is an editor of BodyFitnessInfo.com. Check out our site for articles on how to reach your lifetime fitness goals. Whether your goal is natural weight loss or muscle gain, you can find tips to help you on BodyFitnessInfo.com!