How To Set Health And Fitness Goals, And Achieve Them.
The freshness of a new year or any season comes with feelings of enthusiasm and a clean slate. Naturally, we become optimistic about the goals we can achieve and the ways we can improve our lives and general well-being. Health and fitness goals are usually on the top of the list. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, eat healthier, be your own #bodygoals or be more active, using this goal-setting process will give you the clarity you need to follow through with action and thus achieve your goals.
1. DEFINE THE END GOAL
In changing any kind of habit, difficulty and frustration are inevitable. You have practised the habit you are now wanting to change for so long that any deviation from this habitual behaviour will be somewhat of a shock to the system - and you will naturally want to return to your “normal” quotidian pattern. The work then becomes creating a new norm.
So, how do you create a new normal - a normal that is healthy and one you are pleased with?
Clearly define it! Be clear on what your efforts are towards. How do you look, how do you feel, what is the experience like? Is your lifestyle different from the one you currently have? Be specific. If your goal is to lose weight, what is your target weight, what are the numbers?
Being vague and making general statements will stifle your progress. On the contrary, having a clear destination in mind will make getting through the difficult moments easier because you are clear on what the reward is.
2. HAVE A TIMEFRAME
Now that you have removed the mind fog and know exactly what you want and are working towards, be time specific. When will this ideal version of yourself be your reality? Having a set timeframe creates a sense of urgency and propels you to take action.
Open statements like “next month” can drag along for years because it is always a month away from the time that you review your goal. So, have a set date, jot it in your calendar and get to work.
3. HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE
You know where you're going, you know how much time you have, now, how are you getting there? What’s your gameplan? Do you have a meal plan? Will you be following a workout program? Are you making minor adjustments, what are those adjustments?
Having a plan of action steers your efforts in the direction of your goals. In creating your new health ploy, don’t be pressured into taking on the latest diet fads - have a plan that is most suited for you and caters to your needs.
The transition will be challenging - make the commitment to yourself easier by having clear action steps.
4. DECIDE ON YOUR METRIC OF MEASURE
To stay working on your goals even when the feelings of initial excitement have dissipated requires discipline and systems that will keep you on your path. Having progress points along your journey will keep you motivated, and give you a real reflection of where you are & how you’re doing.
Do you need to up it a notch, or are you right on par? Do you need to adjust your methods and make some improvements? You can only answer these questions accurately when you have a way of keeping track of your progress.
There are numerous ways you can do this, some of which include weighing yourself, taking measurements, taking progress pictures or even using a specific clothing item as your tracker.
Giving up on your goals has happened one too many times because you weren’t seeing any progress - avoid this pitfall by consistently checking in. Remember, you can’t measure what you don’t track.
5. KNOW YOUR “BIG WHY!”
It is almost guaranteed that you will invest your time, energy and resources into something that is meaningful to you and also promises great reward. Assigning meaning and being clear about your reasons for taking the bull by its horns and making the necessary health changes will be your driving force.
Your “big why” serves as an emotional plug-in that keeps you going when the going gets tough. It is a reason so compelling that you will stay committed to your goals even as the discomfort and resistance arise. Are you doing it so you can finally feel comfortable and confident in your body? Perhaps it is to have enough energy and vitality that allows you to be a better parent - active, present and engaged in your children’s lives and rid of the constant sluggishness
Follow this guide in creating your new health and fitness goals, and finally make them your reality.
