Well, we did it. We survived the summer. What a summer it was – sunshine, sunshine and more sunshine. With it came fun and a real lack of routine and schedule. For some people, the relaxed routine really works, but for so many, it can play havoc when trying to be healthy and well. There is more eating out, more alcohol and a lack of rhythm. Add children into that mix, and trying to keep the whole house happy means you have a challenging few months.

It is around now that routines begin to regulate and return to some sort of norm – goals are reset or created, plans drawn up and people get stuck into making them happen.

September has very much become like a new January, and I think it is great to see. Health and wellness is about balance – not being afraid to have fun and relax a little – but being aware that it is time to return to eating better and moving more. This balance is real-world wellness. Nothing extreme, just balance and awareness.

So, I wanted to bring you some simple tips to help get you back on track the right way, and make sure that you are going to achieve real long-term change. Last week, I asked you to find your lighthouse; this week, I want to show you how to get there.

Set small goals each week

So often people try to set big goals that are epic to dream of, but can sometimes be almost impossible to achieve. Trust me, I love a big, scary goal. However, you have to ensure that you can really achieve it. Can your life absorb the time and effort it is going to take to achieve it?

Small goals are often much easier to achieve, and they can be stepping stones to a larger goal. Believe me when I say, you will feel so good about yourself when you achieve the goals each week.

Build them into your schedule

Now that you have created your goals, it’s time to action them. Leaving it to chance, for example, not really knowing when you are going to do the sessions or cook the meals, means there is a bigger possibility they won’t happen.

Take out your schedule and commit to what needs to be done by writing it down. You then work it into your daily routine. Make the sessions a priority and tick them off as you get them done.

Surround yourself with people

We have all heard the phrase ‘it takes a village’ and it really does. When you want to achieve something, surround yourself with people who will push you and help make that happen. Friends, training partners, coaches, whoever you need, be sure to have them in your corner. It can be done on your own but it is so much easier with others.

Suit your personality

Trying to do something that really doesn’t work for your personality – this is often the biggest mistake I see. If you’re not a morning person, stop trying to do the early class or session. Instead work to your strengths and build it around what you like to do and what suits you best. It sounds simple, but it is something that is so often missed.

Reward yourself

I have always used the goal-reward theory, and find it simple, but really powerful. Set your goal, work hard towards it, and when you achieve it, be sure to reward yourself. It’s not the size of the reward that is important, but the process of celebrating the success. Set those goals, work hard and let’s make this September reset one that lasts.

Next week, our focus turns to food.Exploring simple, effective changes that can help you eat better and feel your best. Expect practical tips, expert advice and easy wins that are well worth incorporating into your weekly routine