Justin posted on April 28, 2011 13:40
How often do you get into your car and just start driving without a specific destination in mind? At
work do you start projects not knowing what you are trying to accomplish? Now imagine your work project is your body. What is it specifically that you are trying to accomplish? If you are just training to “get fit” you may not be working out to your full potential.
A goal will help keep you committed and on the right path. Each goal should have these three things in common.
1. Specific – Saying you are going to lose weight is a lot different than saying you are going to lose 20 pounds. Without specifics you will not be able to judge the effectiveness of your plan. Let’s say you set a goal to lose weight in one month. At the end of the month you weight in and you’ve lost 3 pounds. Will you really feel like you gave 100% effort and accomplished your goal? Now take the same scenario but change the goal to a loss of 10 pounds. Now you can look at your plan and determine what you could have changed or done better.
2. Time Frame – This will hold you accountable. Set a date of when you will achieve your specific goal. This will also help with developing a plan. Without a time frame how can you really know that what you’re doing is setting you up for success?
3. Realistic – Do not set yourself up for failure. If your goal is to win a road race but you do not run right now your goal should be to finish. Set a safe, smart and attainable goal first!
Think outside the box. A very common goal is weight loss. This seems to be the go to in any fitness program but consider some other options. Try picking an event like a 5k, sprint triathlon or obstacle course. These types of events usually involve training programs which will help keep you on track. By the time race day comes along you should notice significant changes in your body. Remember set a goal and results will follow.