We “Love It When A Plan Comes Together” (circa the A-Team and COL John Hannibal Smith)
In our previous post, we discussed four measures to keep you on track to reach your goals in 2016. Today, we will discuss formulating a clear plan to help you reach them in the new year. The guidance below is the same information we provide to our members to become successful. The application of this process not only involves fitness, but has a direct application to everyday life.
Our goal is to help you reach your goals. The first step in the process, is to ascertain what you want. Whether it be getting stronger; leaner; being a better mom or dad; or Looking Better Naked, our goal is to outfit you with the tools to get you on path towards “The Beginning of Something Better.” Our members achieve success, but there are a number of factors which play into how successful they are. Here we give you five takeaways to get you on the path towards goal setting and accountability.
- Specific Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART): As a nurse in the intensive care unit, I was taught to ensure that all of my patients, and their family members, set goals that were specific, could be measured, and were attainable based upon the patient’s current level of health. The same holds true in the gym. “I want to lose weight,”while relevant, is neither specific, measurable, nor does it have a clear path towards attainment, and it lacks a time domain. A better goal is: “I will lose 10 pounds in two months by eating healthy and attending my CrossFit classes regularly.” You see the difference. Proper goal setting provides you with a specific goal which is measurable and obtainable.
- Hold Yourself And Others Accountable: Accountability is used often in our gym. I hold members accountable by sending them emails when they don’t show up, and also reminding them to hit the pull up bar when it is one of their goals. Remember, however, accountability starts with you as an individual. Being accountable for your goals and progress, is first and foremost a personal responsibility. You have to have a personal interest in bettering yourself, before your friends, family, or coach, can help you. Only when you agree to hold yourself accountable, will your support system become effective. Share your goals with your friends, family, as well as your coach. Tell them you want them to keep you on track, and that when they see you deviate, to put you back in check. If you are strong, and your accountability system is strong, you will achieve “Your Something Better.”
- K.I.S.S.: No not that kind of kiss. Keep It Simple Stupid. Complexity in goal setting is a recipe for failure. Running a marathon in a month if you haven’t run before is not as obtainable as running a 5K in a month; a 10K in 3 months; a half marathon in 6 months; and a marathon in 9 months. Develop a process to break your goal into smaller, obtainable, realistic chunks. The manageability of your desired outcome is a direct correlation to your likelihood of success. There is something beautiful about simplicity. Speaking of running, we have an awesome endurance program available to help you reach your goals.
- STAY FOCUSED: I understand fully that things happen. But in order to move closer to your goal, you must stay free of distractions. Once you set your goal, and have shared it with your support group, try to avoid outside, or self-imposed, distractions which steer you off your path. Give your goal your last full measure. Commitment, dedication, and tenacity, despite the hurdles, are necessary in your journey to a better you. Any obstacle that can be avoided, should. Any person who is not supportive, should be avoided. Remember, you started on your journey to make a better you. Your focus will get you where you need to be, so surround yourself with positive enablers.
- KEEP YOUR HEAD UP: Things may get tough. Nothing worth having is generally easy. When the road gets tough, and your intestinal fortitude is being taxed, push on knowing that you are one step closer. The obtainable is often left unattainable when you give up.
There is not much in life that is impossible. Set your goals, develop your support group, and stay focused. We have helped our members reach goals they have tried to achieve for years. Have faith in yourself, and believe in the process. If you need more help, download our FREE goal setting worksheet below to help you get on track.