We’re 10 days from Thanksgiving and I wanted to make sure you’re in a good place when it comes to your health and fitness.

With the holiday season upon us, this is a time of year when a lot of people lose their way.

But if you’re going to indulge, it’s important that you do this with intention.

It’s OK to wander outside the guardrails here and there … but if you don’t have the guardrails in place, that’s when things can get sideways in a hurry.

Let me explain why so many people fall off track during the holidays. In my opinion, it all comes down to mindset.

Maybe you’ve said this yourself, or heard someone else say it. “I love the holidays, but man, every holiday season I manage to pack on 5-10 pounds. I just don’t have the willpower to resist all the temptations.”

If you’re saying that or thinking that, you’re doing something very powerful that is going to virtually ensure that you’ll pack on 5-10 pounds.

You’re deciding that it’s going to happen.

Remember: Beliefs are decisions, and they create feelings, which result in actions that produce a particular result.

And guess what? The actions and results are always in alignment with your beliefs.

Always. No exceptions.

So how can you break the cycle this year? Well, the first step is to recognize your thinking. Step 2 is to make a new decision.

“I’m deciding to fit in one extra workout per week between now and New Year’s so I can keep my weight under control while still being able to enjoy a treat here and there.”

“I’m deciding that between now and Christmas, I’m going to include at least one serving of colorful veggies with every meal so I can stay full longer and won’t be tempted to go overboard.”

“I’m deciding that this is the year I’m NOT going to gain 5-10 pounds during the holidays, so I won’t have to go on a drastic diet or extreme workout program in January.”