• The support of family and friends is crucial to successful change. Make a list of who your sources of support will be. Next to their name on the list, check off those you have already discussed your plans with and set a date for when you plan to tell the rest. Then you can check them off too.

• Now is also the time to decide what exercises you will be doing at home and do whatever rearranging is necessary to give yourself room to exercise. You could move a coffee table out of the family room to give yourself room to do your exercise videos or move a bookshelf or chair to make room for the treadmill or exercise bike. You may also want to consider a designated place for your walking shoes and socks near the door for convenience. Make a list of what changes you want to make in your home and start making them now.

• Make a list of any new clothes you will need to buy. For most people, a good pair of shoes & a couple new pairs of socks will be enough. New exercise clothes can be motivating for some of us. So, if your budget allows for it, go ahead and treat yourself to some new exercise clothes. This is particularly relevant if one of your chosen ways to increase your activity level is with a sport. Although you can play golf or tennis in most any pair of shorts and T-shirt, clothing specifically made for the sport can be fun. For swimming you will need to invest in a good pair of goggles.

• Consider any new equipment you may need and start shopping around. If you already have exercise equipment you don’t use and don’t like, sell it and start over. Be sure to try out any equipment before you buy it and consider whether or not it will be something you enjoy. If you are considering exercise videos, see our recommendations to add to your shopping list. Now is also the time to shop for and choose a gym or trainer if that’s a part of your plan.