I’m betting that there are lots of people starting a new challenge tomorrow, Monday! Why? Because in the 8 years I’ve been hanging around the guestbook I have picked up on some trends. And one of those trends is that people tend to start their challenges at rather regular times of the year.

For example, New Years is always a big time of the year for challenges–since it fits right in to that combination of a New Year’s resolution, and the end of a rather disgusting two month period of pigging out during the holidays which has lowered self-esteem and heightened the tightness at the waistlines.

Spring time, usually right after Easter, is also a biggie, because it is the beginning of a new season, spring, when things change for the better, plus it is about three months away from the most critical events of a younger person’s life, the beach or a wedding!

So, new friends about to start your journey, may I just offer a few bites of advice that will keep you in this game instead of just failing out after a few frustrating weeks of flopping around in unfamiliar territory.

1. Read the book carefully, the Body for Life book by Bill Phillips. And don’t start until you have done that. No matter how anxious you currently are, keep in mind that anxiousness and enthusiasm, or even desperation, are no substitutes for thorough planning when it comes to a body for life challenge. No matter how enthused you are, if you don’t know what you’re doing, that enthusiasm will fade like those Easter flowers you forgot to water this morning!

2. Set difficult but achievable and measurable goals. “Get fit” or “look hot on the beach” are not goals–they’re just dreams or visions. The goal is more like “lose 6 inches from my waist” or “drop 20 scale pounds,” something like that. Achieving that measurable goal will help create the vision, but the vision won’t help create the goal, so BE SPECIFIC!!

3. Even if you’re not going to enter the contest formally (and you should enter it formally) make darned sure you take your before photos. They will do more to keep you going than anything else you can do. If you cringe at the thought of it, that’s all the more reason to do it!

4. Be sure to let your family and co-workers know what you’re doing, because they will wonder soon enough why you’re no longer eating double Whoppers for every meal. But DON’T give them too much detail, and don’t let them see your before photos. Do yourself a huge favor and take your own before photos with a cheap tripod from Wal mart. The $9.95 you spend on that is cheap compared to the indignity of having a friend or relative photograph you in a too-tight swim suit.

5. Be patient. Getting fat took time–so does lean and strong! That’s why this challenge is 12 weeks long, and if you’ve already talked yourself into the idea that you’ll be 25 pounds lighter in three weeks–well–let’s just say you need to get real! most ladies don’t see big results for around 8 weeks, but they are worth the wait! Keep in mind this is not a quick weight loss scheme, it truly will give you a body with a different look, a different shape, and a different outlook. There’ll be a new you in the mirror in twelve weeks, but don’t rush it!

6. Don’t forget to work hard, have fun, and help others. If you forget this last step, which is really three steps in one, you’ll just waste your entire 12 weeks.  Good luck, future champions!