Goal setting is universal and not just in Gloucester, ON. Anything you achieve comes from an idea that’ turned into a goal and either kept in your mind or formally written. Setting goals for fitness is an important step and they should be smart goals. What are smart goals? SMART is an acronym for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. Each letter in the acronym is important to your success.
Setting a specific goal narrows the parameters of your goal.
A specific goal is important. If you simply say you want to get healthier or fitter, it can mean almost anything from exercising a few times to eating fruit instead of candy. However, saying you want to lose 20 pounds is extremely specific. The more specific you are, the easier it is to know when you’re successful in achieving your goal.
A measurable goal is another way of making it even more specific.
If my goal is to get fitter, how do I know I’ve achieved it? Maybe by changing that goal to being able to run up five flights of stairs without stopping is a good measurement. Just like losing weight, you have created a way to ensure you know when you’ve reached your goal. The goal should also be attainable. Losing weight, if you’re overweight, is attainable, growing taller if you’re an adult, isn’t. If you have a big goal to achieve, break it up to smaller goals that you can achieve quicker, so the faster results will spur you on to continue.
Is the goal relevant to you?
Everything has a price. While you might dream of becoming a famous rock star, spending the time learning to sing or play music isn’t your thing. In other words, it’s not a goal because it’s not relevant and you aren’t willing to pay the price that comes with it. Losing weight and getting into shape also comes with a price tag. It’s the time you spend working out and the determination to eat healthy.
- Do you have a time attached to achieving your goal. If you don’t have a goal that’s timely, one with a deadline, such as a month, can give you inspiration to stay busy working on your goal.
- Make sure your goal is something you want, not something a friend, spouse or relative suggests. It has to be driven by your desire to feel better, look better, have more energy or better health.
- Keep your goals in front of you. Some people use sticky note and put them on their mirror, refrigerator or anywhere they’re more likely to see them.
- At 180 Fitness, we’ll help you set goals and keep them with both nutritional help and fitness program. We’ll keep you motivated as you see your goals come true.
