Hi there. Getting a new habit started is BRUTAL, isn't it?

Your first thing in the AM idea can actually be a really good strategy.

Try this: keep your "workout" clothes and shoes right by the bed.

When you get up, get into them IMMEDIATELY and go for a walk. You won't have time to talk yourself out of it.

If you can do this for 10 minutes first thing in the morning at least 5 days a week, you'll be ahead of the game and you'll feel proud of yourself ALL DAY.

Give it a try?

Promise yourself you will NOT do any more than you set out to do, so you don't dread it and you don't feel like you can't believe yourself. I know people who get into a NASTY pattern of talking themselves into doing extra, and it turns into an obsession. Tell yourself "10 minutes" and do 10 minutes. You need to know you can trust yourself.

The other thing is, MAKE yourself START, but give yourself permission to stop RIGHT AWAY if you just don't feel like it.

You KNOW if you talk yourself out of it before you begin, you'll spend the rest of the day regretting it.

But again, you need to trust yourself. Some days, you just need a break. So here's the deal: you HAVE to put on the gear and start walking, but once there, you can decide if you just want to turn around, you can go home - no guilt. You tried, and you just didn't feel like it. 99 times out of a hundred, you'll just keep going and feel better once you start. The odd time you don't, you just needed the break, and your body will tell you that.

Make this a habit for 3 weeks, and it's yours.