As spring approaches, we often gain a renewed motivation toward physical activity. Setting goals can give direction and meaning to the habits we are building. They keep us on track when things get challenging and bring the satisfaction of celebrating a hard-earned achievement. We set goals with the intention of completing them. So, how do we ensure we choose the right ones for ourselves? It comes down to formulating personalized goals that are realistic and achievable. Let’s explore how we can set ourselves up for success by choosing the right approach to goal setting.
Use SMART Goals
Goals typically fail due to unrealistic expectations or an objective that isn’t specific enough. Avoid these missteps by choosing a SMART goal for yourself. A smart goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. It’s easy to say you have a goal of exercising more. But what does that mean? Be specific with your goal and include details like who, what, where, when, and why. If your goals are measurable, you can observe your day or week and know whether you have been successful. While it is good to create a challenging goal, it should still be realistically attainable. Address real-life barriers, schedules, and season changes. Create goals that are individually relevant and valuable to you. Just because you saw someone else do it does not mean it is always the best approach for you. A tailor-made goal will always be more successful. Finally, create a timeline to follow with your goal. Give yourself an exact start date. If there is no end date to your goal, consider timely check-in points. Reflect on your progress every few weeks to reevaluate your performance and whether you should make any changes or adaptations to make your efforts achievable.
Have a Plan
A goal is only as good as your plan to achieve it. You wouldn’t begin a house renovation project without knowing what is needed to fulfill the final objective. The same goes for accomplishing health goals. A plan tells us precisely what we need to complete our goal. It also tells us how and when we will go about achieving it. If you struggle to meet your goals, take a step back and reevaluate your planning process.
Celebrate Your Progress
Any progress toward your goal is worth celebrating, even if it feels small and insignificant. Just as every brick of a house is necessary for construction, each progression toward your goal is a key part of your journey. Add smaller goals you can achieve while progressing toward your end goal, such as completing a push-up or reaching a certain amount of exercise minutes for the month. As you see little successes on the journey, it builds confidence to continue.
Think About Accountability
Decide how you will help hold yourself accountable while working towards your goal. We all have days that get busier than expected, or we do not feel motivated. Accountability helps put ownership and value into the goals you are working to accomplish. Maybe your accountability is a person or group you meet to exercise with or discuss your progress with. It could also be a planner or calendar that you physically check off as you complete each session. Not only will accountability motivate and encourage you on the tough days, but it will also remind you to celebrate your progress along the way.
Don’t Be Afraid to Readjust
Even our best-made plans can change. Think about how often life changes throughout the year. Work and family schedules change, seasons change, and daylight hours change. While we might feel like our goals are failing, the reality could be that life has made some changes, and we need to adapt our goals to keep up. We should not declare defeat on our efforts. Instead, it shows how we must adjust our plan and approach to suit our current needs and priorities. As we learn to readjust whenever necessary, our fitness goals become more of a life-long habit.
Always consult with your physician before starting a new exercise program.
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