I’ve been told I should set goals for myself, but I don’t know where to start.
Raise your hand if you’re guilty of biting off more than you can chew (insert hand emoji here). We all do it; in work, in play, in the unlimited buffet… you get the point. Goals are no different. We tend to look at the end goal and forget that there are steps that need to happen before the finish line is even in sight. Take a marathon for example: First step may be to sign up for one.
… now what?
You’re not a professional runner and probably have only run a couple of miles at a time. Looking at the distance you have now registered to run is starting to look overwhelming, and training hasn’t even begun.
So you start off running and it’s harder than you thought. You begin to get frustrated with yourself that you aren’t seeing results and take a break for a while to cool off.
The cycle starts all over again, only this time it’s even more difficult to begin and you fall off even faster and with more frustration at yourself for ever thinking that you could do this.
I’m going to stop there, because I don’t know about you, but I just got very anxious writing this knowing that time and time again I would set myself up for failure. Just. Like. This.
How to set yourself up for success:
S.M.A.R.T. Goals.
- Declare a very SPECIFIC goal that you would like to achieve (run a marathon)
- How will this goal be MEASURED (in the distance run)
- Who/what is going to hold you ACCOUNTABLE for your goal? (Friend/ Running app)
- Is this goal something you can REALISTICALLY accomplish? (With enough training, yes)
- Time–When do you want to complete your goal by? (Date of marathon).
This example is pretty straight forward, and some of you may be reading this saying “Jess, I don’t have a specific goal I’m working towards.” Well why not? Everything we do is motivated by a goal.
I’m hungry____ the goal is to feel satiated
I’m tired____ the goal is to feel rested
I’m taking a vacation ____ the goal is to take a break
Get it? So what’s your internal motivator for working out in the first place? Why did you buy the shoes, fill your water bottle and drive to the gym? Start there and the rest will fall into place. Talk to one of the trainers at Kondition and we can help you with your goal setting needs. That’s what we’re here for!
So create your S.M.A.R.T goal, write it down and set yourself up for success!
