Gyms statistically report that member activity drops off significantly every year around mid-February. The lustre and vigour of the New Year's resolutions have dwindled, energy levels plummet and resolve is but a distant memory.

Around this same time, small businesses can suffer the same drop off- financially speaking. Staying financially fit can be just as challenging as keeping up that workout regime. It requires a strategy of attack, bolstered with realistic goals and timelines.

Start with a little self-reflection. What did NOT work in the past? Repeating past mistakes is a common yet costly mistake.

A simple four-step approach can be effective:

1. Keep track of all spending - as important as it is to know how much is being spent, it is just as vital to record where and on what you are spending it.
   
   
2. Pay on time - set up reminders and reminders for your reminders and become the customer that all your vendors like to work with. Not only does it boost your reputation, it will help keep you out of the red.
   
   
3. Be prepared and set aside an emergency fund. This could be utilised in a number of situations but will no doubt relieve the stress of an unpredictable cash-squeeze.
   
   
4. Write down goals and be numerically specific, 'being rich' isn't what we mean.

Don't panic if you feel a bit green at the start - financial intelligence is garnered through picking up bits and pieces during the process.

Have a built-in flexibility to your strict regime. Exterior factors like a recession or market fluctuation will inevitably call for some readjustments.

Constantly monitor and manage your fixed operational costs. Depending on what your cash flow status is, you may need to focus on areas such as advertising, subscriptions, office supplies, and customer entertainment to ensure there is a good return on investment.

Blast the bulge and burn off that excess fat. Consider staffing changes during slower seasons, combining job roles or taking on interns, freelancers and contracted workers during busier times.

Financial fitness is like any other diet or exercise regime - it requires lifestyle changes and the implementation of a constant learning curve. Signing up for the race is one thing, crossing the finish line is a whole different feat!