It's time to take control of your physique and start sculpting a healthy, muscular new you. Whether it's a class reunion coming up, seeing a friend for the first time in years, or maybe a new flame you want to impress, you've got to hone in on your reasons for undergoing this transformation. If you can, you'll be able to remind yourself why you're working so hard each and every day.

Everyone's motivation is different, but the types of motivation remain the same. You need to answer one question before starting this journey: "Why do I want to add muscle mass?" Once this is crystal clear, your journey will be set.

Come on, admit it: there's a guy in the movies who has the physique you want. We all hear Arnold or Stallone, but maybe for you the model is Hugh Grant or Hugh Jackman. The point is, if you can visualize what you want to look like, you'll be that much closer to your goal. To this end, hang up pictures of your ideal physique. Whether it's a favorite athlete, actor, or just a friend, this man will be your role model for dedication. If he had the self-discipline to pack on muscle and get where he is now, so can you.

For more ideas, check out the Inspirational Profiles on BodySpace, and use them to push you harder. BodySpace is an incredible network of fitness-minded people, all of them eager to share tips and best practices. Use BodySpace to view and share progress pictures, learn how others succeeded, and hold yourself continually accountable to your goal. Don't be embarrassed to post your own progress pictures. They'll keep you on track and, when you hit your goals, they'll be a visual inspiration for everyone.

Once you decide that you want to change your body and have a clear vision of what you'll look like, it's time to create the right environment to succeed. Anytime you take on a difficult challenge, it can be emotional or frustrating. If you surround yourself with the right people and get rid of any negative influences, then you will lay the foundation for success. Seek out success stories and check out the featured Bodybuilding.com transformations.

Also, consider joining a BodyGroup. BodyGroups are online support networks based on shared backgrounds, lifestyles, and goals. Each and every BodyGroup is dedicated to hitting a specific fitness target, and members of each group share inspiration, answers to training and nutrition questions, and motivation to lift bigger, look better, and live healthier every day. Search through the Groups, and find the one that matches your goal.

Another excellent way to stay motivated is to train with a workout partner. Find a partner that has a similar goal and will make sure you're at the gym for each and every workout. A good workout partner brings accountability and support to your quest for mass. He's not just there to spot you, but to pump you up for intense workouts and drag you through the tough days.

With all of life's responsibilities, it can be difficult to grab a cup of coffee, let alone start a new workout routine. However, with dedication and some schedule reorganization, you can always find time to train, cook, and succeed. If you're a morning person, set the clock an hour ahead. You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish with that one hour in the gym. If you have time at lunch, find a gym close to work so you can swing by and lift during your break.

Always look for tiny bits of time that you can devote to your goal. With some small adjustments to your schedule, you'll ensure muscle-making success and build healthy habits.

Surround yourself with sources of instant motivation. These can be inspirational quotes at your desk, pictures of your role model, a calendar with short-term goals tacked to your fridge, and even motivational reminders on your bedside table.

One of the easiest most important motivators is music! If you load your iPod with music that gets you focused, jacked, and ready to hit some iron, then you're already a step ahead of the crowd. An intense playlist can take a boring, monotonous workout to new personal records on your lifts.

Setting small, attainable goals is a proven method for success. If you take your long-term goal and break it into building blocks, you'll remain motivated through the entire process. Set weekly or monthly goals and add them to your calendar, mark them in your cell phone, or pin them on the fridge.

You need to see them each and every day, especially on the difficult days. Whether your short-term goal is to bench press a certain weight, hit a number on the scale, or anything in between, it should be written down and reviewed.

Chronicle everything. Keep a fitness and workout journal to chronicle your journey. Having a journal, or using our Workout Tracker on BodySpace, might first seem like another distraction. Truthfully, it's proven to be one of the most important notebooks man has ever carried. Your journal will be your epic tale of hard work, dedication, and sweat. You can look back from time to time to assess your progress. If your muscle growth seems to be slowing down, check to see if your numbers are going up.

If not, it might be time to switch up your workouts. Adding new exercises or changing parts of your routine will keep things from getting stale. By recording your numbers, successes, and struggles, you'll consistently move forward and destroy roadblocks.

If you've been hitting every single workout and have been completely dedicated to your nutrition, remember to reward yourself every once in a while! Be proud of the work you're doing and the progress you're making. You're changing your entire life, and that deserves some recognition. Take a day off, do something fun, or buy yourself some new clothes. If you keep the journey positive, you'll be even more motivated to achieve your goals with flying colors.