Physical Goals My physical goals include increasing my fitness levels and losing weight. I would like to work on strengthening my body through the gym and yoga, while also taking on a cardio routine that will mostly include running and hopefully other new forms of cardio that I haven't been doing, like spinning. Overall, I would like to embark on a program that is sustainable and results in a more active and healthy lifestyle rather than just year-round activities. I want to accomplish this goal in the next 3-4 weeks so I can establish a routine that I will stick to for the rest of the year. Studies say it takes 21 days to develop a habit, so this time frame fits my needs well. I understand that it will take longer to lose weight at a healthy rate and build muscle, however I hope this develops over time and continues after the duration of the project. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Threats and Opportunities Being a freshman, it is difficult to find time in my busy schedule to incorporate a regular fitness routine. My schedule is particularly strict and my free time is almost always spent studying or doing homework. I will have to commit to setting aside time to incorporate exercise. This will involve changing my mindset to view exercise as a necessity so that it becomes part of my routine rather than something I need to make time for. My diet is extremely high in calories and not particularly healthy. I don't pay much attention to what I eat and focus more on intake that will increase my energy and stamina rather than healthier choices. This means it will be difficult to change my diet. I don't have a gym membership. This means I will have to join a gym or find classes that don't require membership. In the past, cardio has been my primary form of exercise as I am an avid runner and enjoy this form of exercise. My body isn't extremely strong, and while it might be easier to get back into shape, engaging in strength-training activities will be much more difficult. I leave for school very early in the morning. This means that I often neglect to eat breakfast, which is important for boosting the metabolism and starting the day in a healthy way. This year has been incredibly stressful. I understand the emphasis that will be placed on my achievements to enter the world of medicine. This means I often find my cortisol levels are quite high, which affects my mood and personality. Regular cardio activity has been shown to be a brilliant way to reduce cortisol levels and improve mood. I hope that by incorporating this into my weekly routine I will be able to lower my stress levels and feel better mentally overall. Studies show that regular exercise also improves memory retention as it increases oxygen to the brain. This will also help me in my studies and exam situations to get the best results by ensuring I stay sharp. Matric has been linked to increasing levels of depression. A healthy diet has been proven to combat this problem and boost mental health. It might be a good preventative measure to protect my mental health. By undertaking strengthening activities such as the gym (weight training) and yoga, I hope to improve the appearance of my body and therefore increase my confidence levels in how I look and feel. Remember: this is just a).