At the beginning of every year, we hear a lot about resolutions. We set goals to exercise more, eat better, get organised, save money, manage our time better. But somehow, before we know it, we’re in September. The year is not over, but we’re far enough into it that I think it’s a good time to stop and ask ourselves: How am I actually doing? And I have to do this check-in with myself, too.

Years ago, I had a client who told me that whenever an e-mail came in, she tried to answer it right away. If she didn’t know the answer or needed to deal with it later, she moved it into another folder, but she made a point of going back to that folder quickly.

I always remembered that. I’ve tried to adopt a similar habit because I know how easy it is to read something, think I’ll come back to that, and then completely forget about it. For the most part, I’m pretty good at responding right away, although occasionally something still slips through the cracks.

Scheduling has been another area I’ve had to work on. As a trainer, my schedule can change constantly. I have clients who travel, clients I train online and others who may need to move their sessions around.

I’ve learnt that when I schedule or change an appointment, I need to put it into my calendar immediately. If I can’t, I send myself a note right then so I don’t forget. Otherwise, one small change can mean I haven’t left myself enough time to get to my next client.

These are little things, but they make a difference. And fitness really isn’t that different.

Maybe in January you planned to work out five days a week, and right now you’re managing two or three. Instead of thinking you’ve failed, check in with yourself. Perhaps three workouts a week is actually realistic for this season of your life, and consistency with three is far better than constantly aiming for five and doing none.

Ask yourself: What is working? What keeps falling through the cracks? What could I do differently?

Sometimes we don’t need another big goal. We need a better system.

Put your workouts in your calendar. Lay your clothes out the night before. Set the reminder. Prepare your meals. Book the appointment. Write things down. And when you miss something because we all do, adjust and keep moving.

September gives us something January doesn’t: months of real information about ourselves. We know what has worked, what hasn’t and where life has gotten in the way.

So use that. Before the final months of the year get busy, do your own check-in. I’m doing mine too.

How are you doing with the promises you made to yourself this year? The good news is, there’s still time.

Check-in & B-Active For Life!

• Betty Doyling is a certified fitness trainer and figure competitor with more than a decade of experience. Look for B. ActiveForLife on Facebook