An AARP representative, interviewed on the Today Show, highlighted the financial pressures on the Sandwich Generation – struggling to pay for their kids’ college education and, at the same time, helping support their aging parents. That’s another concrete reason why you may be fighting inertia. Read on for some final tips on getting started again.

Make a public commitment to family members who want to see you succeed. By telling others about your intentions, you create a stronger reality that will keep you feeling motivated. Engage friends in your pursuit of getting into better shape – talk with a friend at work and make a pledge to hit the gym together three times a week.

Notice and savor your newfound power. Positive reinforcement is a major tenet of any behavior modification program. So reward yourself for a job well done – choose an activity that nurtures you, like a massage or a trip to the spa. This sort of attitude will sustain you as well as promote greater self care – and as your goals take shape, you’ll shape up.

Take it slow and easy. With so much on your plate, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and not know where to begin. If some days you make plans and can’t follow through, don’t let frustration sap your enthusiasm.

Remember all those New Year’s resolutions you made when you were younger and didn’t know better? And think about the inertia that followed the failure of your short-lived goals. Don’t fall victim to that kind of logic. Look well beyond the present moment – and resolve that you are making progress, that you are getting closer to your goals and that every day is a new opportunity.