If you gave up alcohol or cigarettes, joined the gym or vowed to eat more salad on New Year’s Day, the bad news is, you’re probably about to fall off the wagon.

That’s right, by the time Valentine’s Day rolls around – if you haven’t already – statistically most of us have left our New Year’s Resolutions in the dust, according to Glenn Riseley, Founder and President at Global Corporate Challenge (GCC).

Every year we fail but the solution is easier than we think, Glenn said.

“I’ve been talking with people for over 12 years as they try to improve their Health and as I listen to their stories, the one thing that comes through is they have stopped believing in themselves,” he said.

“This is the biggest barrier. It’s not that they lack the willpower or don’t have the discipline or they‘re not organised enough to get to the gym each day. They just don’t believe they’re the kind of people who can do what it takes to be healthy.

“This kills me because it’s so simple anyone can do it – I’ve seen it. I’ve seen people transform their lifestyles in a matter of weeks.”

Glenn speaks from experience; he knows how to get people moving and improving their health. Each year he gets over 300,000 people out from behind their desks and committing to a series of lifestyle changes over 100 days that result in:

• 68% losing an average of 3.4 kilos
• 69% reducing their stress levels
• 58% improving their productivity or concentration
• 82% rating their health as good to excellent ^{up from 61%}

Getting healthy isn’t just good for the body – it’s also good for the mind. According to a new report by GCC, 83% of people who completed the GCC’s comprehensive health program shifted from being at risk of depression to being in the best category for Psychological Wellbeing.

Glenn said he had four basic tips for anyone who wanted to change their life.

1. Break it down.

Most people are overwhelmed by the enormity of the task when they think about a “health kick” or a “lifestyle overhaul”. Break it down into smaller more manageable tasks and concentrate on ticking them off each day and suddenly it seems more achievable.

2. Make it fun.

If you hate the gym, don’t join the gym. You’ll never stick to an exercise program you despise. Find something you love doing and do that instead. Whether it’s cycling around the park, playing tennis, swimming laps or going for a run with your dog each morning – if you choose an activity you love, you’re more likely to stick to it and you’ll also have more fun in your life!

3. Get a buddy.

It’s easy to stop doing something if you do it alone. The first time it rains you look out the window and think, “nope”. But if you know your friend is waiting for you on the corner, dripping wet, you’re on the hook. You have to get up or you’ll never hear the end of it. Having a buddy keeps you accountable and greatly increases the chances of you continuing.

4. Do it one more time.

When you’re really hitting a wall, tell yourself, “I’ll just do it one more time”. Your brain will be more willing to accept this bargain and once you’re up and at ‘em, you can drag yourself over the hump and keep going.

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