Setting Goals!
It is simple to state a goal but actually achieving it isn’t always that easy. For instance, I have been wanting to compete in bodybuilding for several years now but something always gets in the way and I haven’t succeeded at that goal, yet!
Now that Spring is here and the nicer weather approaches it’s common to start seeing a lot of posts on social media about getting your “summer body” ready. I am all about goal setting to accomplish things in life, however, sadly, resolutions are not always met and this can cause discouragement. Statistics show that 42.4% of Americans never reach their New Year’s Resolutions. When you first begin a fitness goal, or any other goal-orientated plan, it is important to define the small goals (also known as your stepping stones to success).
The idea of a goal is a mentality of all or nothing. With this year’s goals, I challenge you to focus on the process, the journey and the steps that will make the things you want more achievable. For example, if your goal or “resolution” for this year is to run in a marathon, compete, lose weight or participate in a local fitness event. Measure your success on your intention. Focus on what you’re doing each day, such as; being mindful of what you’re eating, your daily workouts, what you do when you get home and how you’re prepping meals or organizing your week. If you absolutely have to have measurable goals to mark them off, then keep them simple and small. And most importantly, realistic. Make goals that are achievable, but that also push you each and every day. In the end, what matters is your daily intentions that are making progress toward the end/big goal.
Write it down!
The best success comes from accountability. Whether you hold yourself accountable or you have someone else hold you accountable, this is huge in achieving goals. Write things down, tell a friend, coach, significant other, social media, whoever will help hold you accountable to what you want most.
End Dates
As I challenge you to focus on more of the process in your journey, have an end date to your small goals and long-term goal. This will help keep you accountable, but will also teach you along the way of all the habits you had to change, improve on and/or focus on to achieve this goal. Before you know it, it will become your new habit. In other words, build a road of success and stay committed to all the small steps. In the end, it is always the small things that matter.
Challenge
Life is all about challenges and obstacles. Don’t let the hard days stop you. Few years ago when I was having hormone treatment and trying to manage high cortisol levels it took me months to get regulated and see results. Bottom line, I never stopped. I knew eventually I was going to reach my goal. So, with that being said, don’t let failure stop you. You’re going to make mistakes and you’re going to want to give up. This is when it matters most. Stay disciplined, stay focused on your daily intentions, ask yourself what you can do today to be better than you were yesterday. You will always improve by your daily habits, behaviors and actions. Focus on your process, your journey and all the small things that lead you to success.
