Getting your ideal body should never be as huge of a struggle as it seems to be. We set unachievable goals and then end up giving up half way through. Well, what if I told you that you could get your ideal body and keep it.

First and foremost before reading further, remember that everyone is different and goals will only be met if you make it happen.

1. Recognize that the person you are today is great, but improvement is what you’re striving for.

You are your own definition of beautiful – remember that.

2. Calorie counting is incredible.

For like two weeks. Set goals on MyFitnessPal and try your best to calorie count for two weeks. Don’t change your diet. Once you see how much you’re taking in regularly compared to your goal, it will be easier to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Fruits, veggies and rice can be made in like 10 million different ways. Eep!

Personal Tip: Drink an entire glass of water before you put any food in your mouth. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, a cracker, oh and before and after bed) You’ll be surprised what happens.

3. Yes, 80 percent diet. But, lift weights for real.

Girls, I know it is extremely embarrassing to walk up to the free weights where all the dudes are and pick up the five pounder for fear of utter embarrassment. And of course, the fear that weight lifting makes females look manly.

But I promise it won’t. Follow a bunch of motivation pages on social media. Try the workouts and pick up those weights!

4. The importance of an accountability or having a workout partner is serious.

Especially if you have a tendency to procrastinate or put things off. Finding the motivation is one of the hardest parts, but once you find yours, don’t let it slip away.

5. Stretch, sleep, say nice things to yourself.

Your muscles are going to hurt. Think of it as a good thing (closer you are to that bod). They’re working in ways that are different. Hydration is your best friend. Refer to my tip above. Being in college, it's easy to find yourself still awake on random days at 2 a.m. Sleep regulation is important in your lifestyle process. Let your body rest, and face it, no one really cares if you went to the party.

Say nice things to yourself. This is an amazing journey. It took a lot of courage for you to do what you’ve done. It can take four weeks to gain strength, six weeks to see your own results and eight weeks for your friends and family to notice results.

Keep pushing. Live a healthy lifestyle. Get outside. It is all about how you balance everything. Being all in can be just as damaging as being all out.

If you got nothing from this, remember how amazing and inspiring Jennifer Aniston is on this subject,

You’re damned if you’re too thin and you’re damned if you’re too heavy. According to the press, I’ve been both. It’s impossible to satisfy everyone and I suggest we stop trying. I eat really well and I work out, but I also indulge when I want to. I don’t starve myself in an extremist way. My advice: just stop eating sh*t every day.