Setting Effective Goals & Sticking To Them

As we roll through the new year and into February, many of us may be rethinking our New Year's fitness goals already. If this is you, or if you're still struggling to set a defined goal, know that you're not alone.

Knowing where to start and how to set effective goals that will help us reach our desired outcomes can be difficult. That's why we've put together a 5-step process to help you set effective goals that will keep you motivated and on track.

START WITH THE END IN MIND

Before setting any goals, take some time to think about what you want to achieve. Consider how you want to feel, what you want to look like, and what you want to be able to do. This will provide a clear idea of where you're headed & help you stay motivated as you work towards your goals.

BE SPECIFIC

The more specific your goals are, the easier it will be to achieve them. Instead of saying, "I want to lose weight," say "I want to lose 10 pounds." The more specific they are, the better.

MAKE THEM MEASURABLE

In order to track your progress, your goals need to be measurable. Set a specific number or target that you're aiming for, and then track your progress toward that goal.

SET A DEADLINE

Giving yourself a deadline will give you a sense of urgency for your goals. Set a reasonably reachable timeline, but make it challenging.

WRITE THEM DOWN

Writing your goals down makes them real and tangible. It also serves as a reminder of what you're working towards and helps you stay accountable.

Hand-writing your goals can improve your likelihood of achieving them versus simply having a note with your goals on your phone. The act of physically writing something down can make it feel more real and tangible, and it becomes more concrete and difficult to ignore or push aside.

Additionally, the process of writing can also help to clarify and solidify your thoughts and ideas. This can make it easier to focus and stay motivated as you work towards your goals.

BONUS: REFER TO YOUR GOALS OFTEN

Having your goals in a place you can see on a regular basis, preferably daily, can help you push through the tougher times. A great idea is to have a journal or calendar where your goals are easily accessible to be able to read them daily when reviewing your calendar.

Another idea is to have a whiteboard in your office with your biggest goals written on it, along with your important tasks for the week to help you reach those goals.

Now get out there and work on those goals!