Because when it comes to goal setting, we fall into 2 traps:
We set crappy goals.
We stop keeping the goal the goal!
So, how do we fix both?
Setting Better Goals
Don’t worry. I fall into this same trap. At the beginning of this year, I initially set a goal to “do more cardio.” LOL… WHAT? This is legitimately a terrible goal! You might ask why? And that’s because we want our goals to be S.M.A.R.T.
That’s right, we have a handy acronym for goal setting on this. We didn’t invent it, but we make it look good:
Specific – Define exactly what you want to accomplish. “I want to run more” isn’t specific. “I want to run a 5K” gives you something more concrete to work toward.
Measurable – You can track your progress.
Attainable – It challenges you but fits your current skillset, fitness level, and schedule.
Relevant – It actually matters to your bigger goal. If your goal is to improve your cardiovascular health, cardio makes a lot more sense than, say, learning to juggle. (Although juggling is cool.)
Time Bound – You have a monitorable timeline to do the thing.
So, back to my “do more cardio” goal.
“Do more cardio” = crappy goal.
“Do 60 minutes of cardio per week in January” = SMART goal.
Now I have something specific, measurable and time-bound. And because I’m going from basically zero cardio, 60 minutes a week feels challenging but attainable. It’s not perfect, but that’s not the point. The goal right now is to build the habit.
STAY FOCUSED ON IT!!!
Stop bouncing around from thing to thing! No matter the goal, you have to stay focused on the activities to accomplish it.
Staying focused on the goal doesn’t mean you have to do the exact same thing forever. It means you don’t abandon the goal every time your strategy gets difficult, boring, or inconvenient.
My goal is better long-term health. My strategy might be cardio three times a week. If I hate running, I don’t have to suddenly decide cardio isn’t for me. I can bike. I can walk hills. I can row. I can find something I actually enjoy. Change the strategy. Don’t change the goal.
It’s hard for me because I want to be a muscle-bound meathead. I’m better at lifting than I am at cardio, and I enjoy it more. I often catch myself thinking, “Lifting is more fun. Skip the cardio!”
But that’s exactly where I have to keep the goal the goal. If my bigger goal is long-term health, cardio needs to stay on the list, even when I’d rather spend my time chasing muscles.
Okay, we said two things to fix it, but there’s actually a step three.
Make the plan match the goal. If the goal is important to you, your actions need to reflect that. The goal lives on your calendar/training plan. It’s not just kept in your head.
Set better goals. Make a plan. Change the strategy when you need to. But keep the goal the goal.
So, what’s one goal you’re working toward right now? Is it actually a SMART goal? And more importantly, are your daily actions moving you toward it? If reaching your goals includes joining a gym, now is a great time to check out Trilogy. Reach out for your trial offer.
Apply what you’ve discovered on our blog inside the gym. Schedule your free intro today to meet a coach, build a plan, and take the first step toward your goals.
