You’ve probably heard that goal-setting is a valuable tool to maximize results. But not all goals are going to lead to the results you’re after.
Here are a few goal-setting tips to increase your chances for success and maximize your results:
1. Be Specific.
Goals like “get fit” or “lose weight” are thrown around fairly often. But how will you know when you’ve achieved your goal of getting fit? What does “lose weight” mean? Lose one pound? Lose ten pounds?
Vague goals tend to lead to vague results. The fix? Be more specific with your fitness goals. Attach a number and a deadline for your goal. For example, “Lose five pounds by December 31st.” Or, “Finish my first half marathon by January 1st.” Once you have a specific goal, then you can create a concrete plan to achieve it.
2. Be Realistic.
Goals should challenge you. But at the same time, you don’t want to set yourself up for disappointment. Be realistic, and set a goal that will push you but not punish you. How do you know what’s realistic? Think about the goals you’ve set in the past and what it took to achieve them. Using your past fitness history can give you an idea of what’s realistic for you and your current fitness level.
3. Be Process-Oriented.
You know what you’re working toward. Now it’s time to think about how you’ll get there. Once you set a goal, you’ll need a plan to help you achieve it. Your process becomes your primary focus. If you overthink the outcome, you may lose sight of the daily steps that are necessary to get results.
4. Be Invested.
Set goals that you care about and attach a “why” to them. Ask yourself about the purpose of the goal you want to achieve. What is it about this goal that will make your life better? If you don’t have a firm conviction to reach your goal, the whole process will feel meaningless. You won’t be motivated to work hard or challenge yourself. But when you’re invested, then you’re more likely to keep pushing even on the days you don’t feel like heading to the gym.
Cannon Fitness and Performance is here to support you and help you reach your personal fitness goals. To learn more about how to get started, contact us today.