Set SMART Goals
When it comes to your fitness journey, “getting in shape” or “toning up” may be your goal, but in order to achieve results you need to be more specific. As the saying goes, a goal without a plan is just a wish. SMART goal-setting is a great way.
SPECIFIC – Make your goals specific. “Getting in shape” is very vague, and varies from one person to the next. For you, being specific with “getting in shape” may mean you are able to run a 5K without stopping. Write it down. Statistics show that those who write their goals down are up to 80% more likely to achieve them.
MEASURABLE – How will you measure your goal? Is it broken down into steps that are clear to you? Will you know exactly when it is achieved?
ACHIEVABLE – Make these goals achievable. Running a half marathon in three months is realistic if you’re already on a 10K pace. It is not if you’re a couch potato.
RELEVANT – Your goal should be related to your life, and be personal. It should be something you consider rewarding and worthwhile to achieve. That will ignite your passion to go for it.
TIMELY – Set a date for when your goal will be accomplished. Reverse-engineer the steps along the way to track your progress. Set smaller, sub-goals you can measure along the way.