If you’ve read any of the recent advice articles to help boost your productivity, motivation and focus at work, you’ve noticed the one key factor mentioned in every single one of them: exercise. This isn’t all too shocking since it’s been stated by productivity pros that regular physical activity improves your muscle strength and boosts your endurance, giving you the energy you need to think clearly and come up with new ideas.

Like many of us, one of my resolutions for 2015 (and beyond) was to make exercise part of my daily routine. Very quickly I started to notice that in order to achieve my goals for working out, I was going to have to apply the same method I use as a B2B marketer: a cohesive strategy. Once a strategy was set in place, I knew it was only a matter of time before the results started speaking for themselves. To help you achieve the same results, use these four lessons to stay on track with your marketing efforts AND your workout routine.

Have a goal

When embarking on a new workout regimen, most do so because they want to look better, feel better, or perform better. Whatever the reasoning may be, there is always an end goal they wish to achieve. The same goes for any marketing initiative you decide to undergo as well. If you want to incorporate more quality content in your marketing strategy, your ultimate goal may be to drive more traffic to your website, improve your SEO efforts or increase brand awareness.

Know your limits

With overexertion as the third leading cause of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for about 3.3 million emergency room visits, it’s important to know what and where your limits are. That’s why when starting a new workout plan, it’s best to start small and work your way up to avoid injury. When you apply the same method in your marketing, you can easily see what is working and what isn’t without causing unnecessary damage. If you want to increase your online presence with social media but don’t have much time to spend on it, start with one or two networks and slowly work your way up to 3, or swap one out with one you think is more beneficial. If you don’t have the required energy, resources or time to dedicate to it like you should, don’t.

Understand results take time

As mentioned before, with a cohesive strategy in place, your results will start to speak for themselves. But because you are working within your limits, it may take a little time to see the results you are working for. Remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint! Don’t give up.

Stay consistent

If there’s only one thing you take away from this post, I hope it’s this: consistency is key! It’s understandable to be frustrated when your not getting back the results you planned for. Unfortunately, that doesn’t give you a reason to stop all together. The only way to succeed in both your marketing and exercise goals is by staying consistent in your efforts. If all else fails, go back to the drawing board, re-strategize and set new attainable  goals.

Remembering these 4 key lessons when you’re ready to quit will put you one step further than the person who threw in the towel!