Nobody wants to be wheelchair-bound for the rest of his or her life. Here are 3 ways to help you or your loved one make the transition form wheelchair to walker:

1.      Think it, see it

The progression automatically begins the moment you genuinely think about wanting to get off your chair and start using a walker. You can strengthen this desire by checking out walker models and cool walker accessories. Print out a photo of the walker you like and place it where you're certain to see it every day. Better yet, post it on the backrest of your wheelchair so you can see it before settling into it every day. Every moment you get, visualize yourself using your walker.

2.      Write down what you want to achieve in "x" number of days

Knowing which walker you want is not enough. You have to work to deserve that shiny new walker. Having daily goals assures that you progress a little every day. Remember to set realistic goals so you don't end up frustrating yourself. Do not give yourself a reason to give up.

More than physical improvement, it is a good idea to find a deeper, more personal motivation to answer why you want to progress to a walker.

3.      Allow people to help you

Help does not mean letting others do everything for you. Help can mean allowing someone to cheer you on and to make sure that you stick to the game plan. Help can also mean having them do their own work out while you do yours—think of it as having a gym buddy. You can even come up with a reward system that allows you both to share a good meal or to catch a movie together after you both successfully complete particular individual goals.

You might not know it, but allowing people to become involved in your progression might give them the push they need to develop their own goals and eventually become successful.