Have you started making changes to your daily routine to improve your health? Maybe you're looking at food labels more closely, or you're now walking after dinner. Congratulations! You're on the right path.

You might be wondering how you'll maintain your progress. No doubt, you'll have tough days and at times may return to old habits.

You can lessen the impact of occasional setbacks by developing strategies that keep you focused on your short- and long-term goals and healthy lifestyle choices. Follow these tips to stay on track:

• Set realistic goals. Take some time to reflect on your progress. If you're having trouble meeting a goal, break it into smaller steps that you can achieve. If you set impossible goals, you're setting yourself up for failure. For example, don't expect to log 5-mile runs as soon as you start jogging.
• Don't try to change too quickly. You're trying to develop a new lifestyle and get rid of habits. This doesn't happen overnight. It can be overwhelming to adjust your diet, start exercising, lower stress, stop smoking and limit alcohol all at once. Work on changing over time. This isn't a race.
• Be flexible and compassionate with yourself. If something isn't working, it's not a "failure." Make one or two adjustments and try again.
• Enjoy and find satisfaction in the changes you're making. If you don't like what you're doing, it's unlikely you'll stick with it. Focus on how this change will make your life better every day you're on the journey.
• Accept that you'll have an occasional lapse. For example, travel or work deadlines may cause you to eat poorly and not exercise. When this happens, don't get discouraged. Instead, get back on your plan.
• Stay focused on the big picture. Remind yourself that being healthy allows you to be energetic, strong and active and to experience an optimum quality of life.

As the saying goes, "Embrace the journey." If you're feeling discouraged, stop to think about the steps you've taken, no matter how small. Give yourself credit for them! Over time new behaviors will become habits.