The first step to kicking yourself into gear and getting fit or losing weight involves nothing more than this -- make a serious commitment and promise yourself that you'll change some aspect of your lifestyle to become healthier. Many people choose the beginning of summer as the time to decide and commit to a healthier lifestyle, which is great. In fact, most people who make a commitment to a better quality of life in general have healthier living on their lists -- whether they choose to quit smoking, hit the gym more often, run a marathon, or eat better.

But keep in mind that any time is the right time to make a healthful resolution. Today can be the first day of the rest of your healthier life -- TODAY can be the day when you decide to commit to living healthier. Don't wait until the next big event in your life comes up and bites you in the rear and reminds you how much you wish you were thinner or in better shape. Big events and holidays are always around the corner. Make the commitment and be ready to enjoy all of the fun times ahead.

Once you've made the decision to stop being unhealthy, you have to figure out exactly how you will proceed. First, identify what area of your health and fitness you most need to focus on. Do you want to be able to climb the stairs at work without being out of breath? Are you eager to get back into your skinny jeans? Do you wish you could play with your kids at the park instead of sitting on the bench watching?

When you decide and commit to your goal, it's important to avoid huge generalizations that will be difficult to follow through on. Start with one area of your fitness to focus on -- maybe it's exercise, avoiding fast food -- whatever habits you've developed that you feel are detrimental to your overall health. Once you commit to one area and begin doing the work to change your health, don't be surprised if other healthy living practices just fall into place naturally! You may find that getting into better shape leads to better eating habits, which leads to increased energy for all of life's adventures.

Now that you've made up your mind and committed to improving your health, you've already taken one of the big steps toward the new, more healthy you. When you give yourself the gift of health, happiness and energy -- you give it to your friends and family, too. It'll be the best gift you could ever give. Start it today!