I've had the same binder for my health and fitness goals since 2000.  When I lost over 100 pounds in 2000, this binder went with me almost everywhere.  I kept all kinds of interesting things in it to keep me focused on the task at hand.  Since the birth of my youngest in 2004 (and my ongoing failed attempts to lose the weight...again) I've emptied that binder several times to start afresh.  After I empty it though, there are always things I add back to it such as great articles on water and sleep, a couple of motivational stories of people who have succeeded, a cool  advertisement for Gold's Gym and my weigh in/measurement worksheet from when I made it to goal the last time.  It also has those clear pockets on the outside of it.  In one side I have my "certificate of achievement" from the first Body For Life challenge I ever completed.

Before I began my "reclaim my body" goals on January 2nd, once again I went through the ritual of clearing it out and replacing those items I wanted to keep.  Then, I printed out a blank 12 week workout schedule, a daily weigh in chart and a weigh in/measurement worksheet.  I punched holes in these and added them to my binder.  In the inner pocket I also placed a small notepad on which to record my food each day.  I logged my initial weigh in and measurements and I was ready to go.  I review this binder every morning and evening.  When I take my second set of photos, I'll print them both out and place those in the binder as well.  I have a separate index binder for scripture pertaining to this struggle.

I know it sounds like a lot of work to keep track of these things and in some instances can even be quite depressing.  I know from experience though that once you start making some great strides, you will LOVE having all of that "start" info.  To see how far you've come seems to make how far you have left seem easier to tolerate.  Consider getting yourself a binder and get to logging your progress.  I plan on this being the last time I start a "new" binder.  When I reach goal, it will be time to focus on maintaining and time to graduate from this binder to something else.