The new year is here, and so are the soon to fail resolutions that individuals make. Mind you they are the same every year, but we are not reading this to shame anyone for having that goal! Everyone has goals, but many seem to always fall short of them. Why? Well there are many reasons for this, and the most common being that the goal is un-realistic. As a personal trainer CT I see clients who do not have clear goals, and with-out them never see the results they want .Today we will all become better goal setter’s with tips and tricks to make sure that we fitness-goers, and soon to be, do not fall into the 2017 fitness trap. So let us dive into our goals, and start motivating ourselves to reach our goals.
How can we start making goals that are realistic? Well how about using SMART goals in the first place! SMART as in Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. All five of these components are what make goals easier to attain, and can motivate you to keep making more goals to progress even further.
Specific
Specific goals have a higher chance of being accomplished. In order to achieve a Specific goal you will need to answer the six “w” questions. Who is involved? What do you want to accomplish? Where, and identify the location that you can accomplish the goal. When, and identify a time frame to complete this goal in. Which, where you identify requirements and constraints. Lastly, Why do you want to complete this goal? Once these six questions are answered you are ready to move onto the next part of SMART goals.
Measurable
Measurable goals establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set. What is great about measuring your progress is that it helps you stay on track, reach your target dates, and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to you the continued effort required to reach your goals.
Attainable
This part of SMART goals helps with really fleshing out what your goals will end up being. When you find the goals that are most important to you, you will find ways to that you can make them come true! You’ll develop attitudes, abilities, skills, and financial capability to reach them. You will start seeing overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to your goals.
Realistic
A realistic goal is one that must represent an objective that you are able and willing to work towards. Yes goals should be challenging and exciting, but if they are too far out of reach, they will disappear quicker than you made them. If your realistic goal is a high goal, as in on that you have a lot of motivation towards, than pursue that one before a low goal, a goal that has low motivation towards.
Timely
Goals should have a grounded time frame in which to be completed. Why? Well with no time frame, you can hypothetically be fine with however long it takes you to complete that goal! I know people want to see results as quick as they can with any goal, regardless if it is fitness related. Do you have a wedding coming up? Do you want to complete this goal in one year or two years time? Knowing the time will keep you motivated to complete the goal before a deadline, and will feel good when/if you complete a goal early.
All of these techniques can be put together to compile your fitness goals for 2017! Now when you complete a goal, do not just stop at that goal. Keep on making them, and see how much easier each goal is to reach! As a personal trainer in CT , watching clients achieve their goals is worth every minute!
