Have you decided that it’s time to make a change but aren’t sure how to get started? Or have you already set more goals for yourself than you care to admit-but keep failing to reach them? I’m going to let you in on a little secret that all certified personal trainers learn: How to set goals.
At the bottom of this post you will find a free Monthly Planner Template to help you stay on track with your 2021 goals month by month.
Setting an attainable yet challenging goal is really an art form in itself. SMART goal setting is a method to make sure your goals will meet this balance so you feel accomplished when you reach your desired outcome.
S. Specific- The goal should be clear and easy to understand. For example, “get healthy” is too vague. There are many ways to get healthy by losing weight, by changing the way you eat, gaining lean muscle mass. Let’s get clear here. Instead we will use “I want to lose weight” for this example.
M. Measurable- How will you track your progress? To create a measurable goal, target a specific marker of success. “I want to lose 30 lbs.” this way you can celebrate you and all that hard work when you reach your goal!
A. Attainable- You know your body, so create a goal that is attainable. “I want to lose 30 lbs in one month” Is unhealthy and sets you up for failure. Booo, who wants to fail? Not me. However, “losing 1 to 2 lb a week for a total of 4 to 8 lbs in a month,” is attainable.
R. Relevant- The goal must be relevant to your particular needs and interests. If you can’t stand yoga and think it’s boring then this would not be the best weight loss tool for you. Instead, maybe you love to walk.. perfect! Creating a progressive walking program that will help you reach your goal.
T. Time-Bound- This one is big. Cultivating a timeline is crucial for motivation. As mentioned before losing 30 lbs in one month is not a realistic time nor is it healthy. Although, knowing that a healthy weight loss means 1-2 lbs per week gives a timeline of 4 months to reach your goal of 30 lbs. total. Plus, you can celebrate your small successes along the way, and who doesn’t like to celebrate? Each month you lose 10 lbs is a marker of your continued success!
Whats You're Why?
Pro tip: Understanding your WHY is just as important. Let’s face it when it comes to working towards a goal day in and day out you have days that you’re not as motivated to keep going. This is where your WHY comes in to play. Really dig deep to learn WHY you want to achieve these goals. Maybe it’s to be around to play with your grandchildren. Or to be able to comfortably slide in your jeans that fit pre-covid? (I hear you) Maybe it’s to be the best version of you, that you can be.
Comments