In my experience as a personal trainer and motivator, I have found that it's beneficial when pursuing fitness goals to develop a vision or picture of success.

I often ask my clients to describe their vision of personal victory in attaining their goals. We can develop a vision of victory in any area of our lives.

For me, I envision a future where time will be my own, and I will enjoy a comforting home, loving family and good health.  Let's take time now to develop your vision of victory. It will be helpful for you to write it down and refer back to it often.

First, remember to dream big. Set lofty goals. When you aim high, you're going to land much further than if your aim is low. My vision list has things on it that I may never obtain, but by at least trying I believe I will achieve or nearly achieve them. Jim Collins, author of "Good to Great," used a phrase that stuck with me, "Good is the enemy of great." We too often settle on the comfort of good enough. "I work out a few times a week." "My job is good." My routine in life is OK."  Did you ever think that maybe great was right around the corner?

Success, a nice physique, and financial comfort, all take a great deal of work, but I'm convinced that each and every one of you has a champion inside that wants to achieve. Too many dreams fade away into the TV screen or waste away on a couch or get taken away by bad decisions. It's never too late to pursue a new vision, a new dream. No matter where you are in life today you can make a choice to develop and work toward a healthy vision.

The second step toward victory in achieving your vision is to train your brain to focus on the positive. Wake up every morning and surround yourself with something positive.

Maybe it's a certain song you listen to on the way to work. Maybe you read something positive each day before you head out the door, or maybe it's surrounding yourself with positive people. I usually try to do all three of these or more every day.

When you're going through hard times, this step can be especially difficult. The nature of the beast is usually resorting to laziness, comfort food or maybe even drugs or alcohol. Besides the obvious, the problem with this is that you feel worse afterwards. In reality it's great to work out after something negative has occurred in your life. With a rigorous workout, your body releases a natural chemical that will enhance your mood. Exercise reduces stress, and self-esteem will be elevated.

There are so many positive effects that can be enjoyed through a healthy lifestyle, and this will be best obtained by developing a vision of victory and working toward realizing it. Remember to dream big, smile too much, laugh till it hurts, and take time to enjoy the true beauties in life. So my friends, what is your vision of victory?

Troy Fontana owns Fontana Fitness in Sparks. For assistance, contact Troy Fontana at 331-6918 or e-mail at getfit@fontanafitness.com