It’s a new year and the turn of the calendar means people setting new year’s resolutions. Some of them will last six days and some of them will last six months. I do not personally believe in new year’s resolutions but I do believe in setting goals and working to achieve them.
Here are a few tips that I feel have worked for my clients both in and out of the gym.
- Be specific: Goals that are very broad are easier to give up on. If your goal is to get stronger, pick an exercise that you want to improve and set a desired weight or number of reps that you want to achieve.
- Set a measurable goal: For whatever goal you set, you need to determine that you have either increased or decreased your performance. Test this specific goal at least every 6-8 weeks. Testing too often may discourage you when you do not see immediate results.
- Set multiple goals: If your goal is to do 10 pull ups and you currently can do three, set your first goal to complete four. If you were trying to break up concrete with a sledge hammer, you wouldn’t expect to do it in one swing (Hulk Smash!!!). Slowly chip away at the ultimate goal and your odds of success will increase.
- Be realistic: I have pretty strong legs and squat a decent amount of weight but I do not expect to squat 450 pounds by the end of the year. Use your measurements and testing to help you determine your goal.
- STAY POSITIVE!!!!!: Tell yourself every single day that you are able to achieve your goals. The mind is a very powerful tool to keep you going. Some days will be difficult but as long as you stay positive your goals will seem more achievable. Post an encouraging note on your mirror to reinforce your goals.
- Make an action plan: For every small goal set, create a plan to work toward that goal. If you just try and wing it, the likelihood of being successful will decrease drastically.
These tips will help you set and achieve your goals. This doesn’t necessarily apply just to fitness goals but can be applied to other life goals as well.
Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy. -Saadi
Good luck on your journey!
