It should be fun

[inflated]

To truly succeed in your workouts it needs to be fun, here are some ways to not get burned out. Add more if you like

1. Keep challenging yourself--progressive strength gains are inspiring
2. Cook food that is good for you but tastes good as well--its impossible to stick to a diet if it becomes torture
3. Get a support team--family, and friends or fellow gym members support is more valuable than you may think
4. Do not be a slave to the scale--its better to chart progress on how clothes fit, how well you feel, how much stronger you are in the gym etc--weight is too arbitrary to measure all the time.
5. Smile during your workouts-it sounds silly but it makes the workout more enjoyable
6. Never stop learning--you can be Mr. Olympia and there are still things you can learn about training and diet

[The Magus]

Great thread!

7. Reward yourself - strategically. The best time to eat sweets is right after a workout when your body needs simple carbs. If you learn about diet and nutrient timing, you can factor in your favourite foods, in moderation.
8. Set goals. There is nothing better than the feeling you get when you accomplish a goal you've had for a long time.

[Mdlftr]

9. After every set back, bitch, moan, cry...then get up and get back to working out!

[inflated]

10. Work out with intensity and use perfect form especially on the core lifts--squats, deadlifts, and bench press and keep challenging yourself

11. Eat to match your workout intensity, winter is a good time to lift heavy and eat a lot of comfort food.

[The Magus]

12. Try new things: there seriously is a sport or activity for everybody, no matter what your body type or disposition. If you set your prejudices and insecurities aside and join a club or a team or sign up for classes you'll be surprised at how much fun you can have. I suggest rugby, but I'm biased. :P

[MuscleMesmerize]

13. Work out with a friend sometimes - support was mentioned above, but I think also having a person where it's mutual encouragement is good to.

14. Don't forget rest is important too! Alternate between strength/resistance and cardio or stagger muscles/ muscle groups so they have time to repair and grow. And so if you do end up missing a workout, treat it as a rest day and move on & work out hard the next day!

15. Listen to or say, or at least think/meditate, positive affirmations, motivational recordings, etc.

16. Always remember anyone you see on a gym or posted on this site was once a beginner too. Maybe they started earlier, maybe they've done it longer, but they had to start somewhere just as you did / are.

I'd also add to number 4 - a tape measure is a much more useful measuring tool.

[inflated]

17. Make your diet the foundation of your program, and learn to enjoy it. Make sure your food is as delicious as possible it will be easier to get all of your nutrition. Make meals an enjoyable experience.