Fall is here, along with the stress of the holidays, and you’re telling yourself that there’s no time left to reach goals set at the beginning of the year, so I’ll just wait until next year.

Have no fear! You can start taking steps towards your goals today! Set yourself up for a successful holiday season and feel more accomplished at the end of the year. Start with smaller goals like the ones below.

1.        Taking advantage of the weather:

Fall months are a great time to exercise outdoors with the cooler temperatures. Take your workout outside and enjoy the fall scenery. Go walking, hiking, or do some cycling. If you have snow, try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. If you live by a beach, go play volleyball. If you’re by a lake try kayaking.

2.        Try something new:

Is there a new activity you’ve always wanted to try? Maybe something like learning how to dance, how to box, how to rock climb, or even water aerobics. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to bake, learn first aid training, learn a new language, or how to play an instrument. All your goals are achievable. You just have to start!  Find a class offering something you want to do and go join!

3.        Get active with the TV:

Temperatures are cooling down and getting cozy on the couch to watch TV sounds like a good time. Don’t sit for hours at a time though. Try being active while you’re watching your favorite show. Save yourself time by exercising and catching up on your shows. Try things like standing up and walking around the room every five minutes, do some jumping jacks, push-ups, squats, sit ups, or use the couch for triceps dips. Wanting to stay focused while your show is on? Try an exercise activity during the commercial break.

4.        Incorporate exercise into your daily routine:

Save time by adding small habits into your daily schedule. Like parking farther away from your destination, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking during your lunch break. Taking the kids to practice? Walk around near the field until they are done. Busy on a task requiring your focus? Set a reminder on your phone every 30 minutes to get up and move around.

5.        Take time for yourself:

You’re only good to others when you’re good to yourself. Continuing to “go go go” when you’re already stressed to the max will only lead to burnout. Leaving you unable to show up for others or yourself. It's important to take care of your mind, body, and spirit. Schedule a massage. Learn to meditate. Promote wellness in other ways aside from exercise.

6.        Give yourself 1-2 months

It takes an average of 66 days to develop a new habit, sometimes less or more depending on the habit. If you feel like you’re failing from the get-go, remember habits take time to form. Give yourself grace when trying to develop a new habit. Consistency is what separates dreamers from doers. Rarely is something easy on the first try, keep showing up and you will reach that goal.

There’s still plenty of time to start and achieve your goals before the end of the year. Enjoy the fall weather, get active outdoors and indoors, and take care of your own health and wellness. As the season changes, so can you. Take this fall to move, grow, and build habits that make you feel your best!