The new year is synonymous with new resolutions. And as we make our way further into any new year, it can be good resolution management to do a spot check from time to time. Many people resolve to lose weight by increasing their activity level and eating right. The multitude of diets, exercise regimens, and supplements, however, can confound even the most well-intentioned fitness goals. In order to achieve your weight loss objectives, it is important to keep your approach simple. Following these basic principles will help you achieve success.

Choose activities you enjoy. Remember that exercise choices may be influenced by personality. For example, activities require varying degrees of aggression. People who describe themselves as forceful and assertive or who won't let things get in their way may prefer racket sports, weight training, or skiing over yoga, walking, or Tai Chi. If you enjoy an activity, you are more likely to stick with it.

Consistency. Consistency is defined as steadfast adherence to a regular course of action. In order to preserve fitness gains or weight losses, you must exercise and/or eat right regularly. Often people report that interruption of consistent behaviors increases anxiety, which can be alleviated with resumption of the healthy behavior. In other words, we are creatures of habit. The key is developing those habits that lead to the goals you seek.

Variety. "Variety is the very spice of life that gives it all it's flavor." These lines from William Cowper's poem, "The Task" (1785), characterize a return to simplicity. Eating a variety of foods and/or participating in a variety of exercises not only makes life interesting, it also increases the likelihood of a successful resolution. A variety of exercises decreases the incidence of injury by activating different muscle groups, assuring balance in muscle tone, strength, and flexibility. Similarly, a diversity of food assures adequate intake of the nutrients our bodies need to function, decreasing the potential harm of nutrient excess or deficiency.

Take small steps. Keep goals manageable and utilize your strengths to see them through to completion. Newton's First Law of Motion states that, "an object in motion tends to stay in motion unless acted upon by an external force." In other words, take a step toward your goal every week. The size of the step is immaterial, taking the step is crucial.

Treat yourself. We tend to criticize ourselves while minimizing our successes. Life's accomplishments, regardless of size, feed confident behavior. Confident behavior begets success. Success deserves a reward. Life is meant to be enjoyed and acknowledgment of a job well-done goes a long way to continuing successful behavior. One key is to be reasonable in the quantity, frequency, and type of reward chosen. For example, food rewards such as chocolate can be enjoyed over the course of a week if separated into seven pieces. The total reward is the same; however, you get to enjoy it longer.

As the year unfolds, keep in mind these five principles of success. It's easy to get caught up in the fitness industry's flashy advertising, celebrity endorsements, and research study results. However, a back-to-the-basics approach to your resolutions will help you achieve the rewards you seek.

Glenn Kent is an ACE-certified personal trainer who motivates clients to perform their best, both physically and mentally. He earned his doctorate in health psychology and is the owner of Fitness Motive, a wellness consulting company located in Cincinnati.