Is how you are writing your goals affecting the journey or the outcome? Could you write a goal that is more detailed that would help you visualize your plan of action and create actionable steps?
If you're looking to achieve your fitness goals, there are three essential ingredients that you need to keep in mind: How you Write, Measuring & Tracking, and Planning & Execution your goals.
3 Core Ingredients to writing your Fitness Goals
Writing SMART Goals
Measuring & Tracking
Planning & Executing
1. S.M.A.R.T Fitness Goals
When setting your goals, it's essential to follow the SMART guidelines. That means ensuring your goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-based. If you're new to goal-setting, start with one to two goals, or if you're more experienced, try selecting two to three goals. Remember to keep your goals achievable and realistic, and give yourself enough time to complete them. Goals should have some flexibility to be adjusted.
Think SMART when setting goals.
Specific (action-based)
What outcome is important to you?
Measurable
How do you measure success?
Attainable
Realistic
Time-based
Is this goal attainable for you?
If the goal is attainable, is it a realistic goal that you can work towards?
If the goal is both attainable (achievable) and realistic, what time do you need to reach this goal?
Here is an example:
Which of the following is a better SMART Goal?
I want to lose 10 pounds by summertime.
By June 21st, 12 weeks away, I will lose 10 pounds by exercising 3 times per week for 30 minutes a day and working with a registered dietitian to consume the proper nutrition.
Example 2: Let’s break it down
Specific: Lose 10 pounds in 12 weeks
Measurable: 10 lbs & 3 times per week for 30 minutes a day
Attainable: 1-2lbs per week of weight loss
Realistic: With the help of a registered dietitian (increase adherence)
Time-based: June 21st; 12 weeks
2. Measuring and Tracking Your Fitness Goals
Measuring and tracking your progress is a crucial step towards achieving your goals. Knowing what success looks like and how you will measure it is essential. This way, you can determine what to track and find an app or other tools to help you track your progress. Consistency is critical when tracking your progress, and don't worry if you miss a day or two. Just get back on track and keep going!
Back to our example:
Working with a Registered Dietitian may recommend apps and tracking. If you are working with a professional fitness specialist, there will be metrics they will track and have you track.
3. Planning and Executing the Plan
Planning and execution are equally important when it comes to achieving your goals. Planning allows you to break your goals into manageable sections or phases, making it easier to stay motivated and focused. Each phase has a strategic overarching theme, such as building a solid foundation for your goal, progressing towards your goal, and finally achieving your desired outcome. By breaking your goals down into phases, you can stay motivated and focused on your goals.
When designing a long-term program, your professional fitness specialist may design 3 phases depending on the length of the program, your current fitness, and fitness and program goals. Here is an example.
Phase I: Foundational & Functional
Phase II: Development & Progressing
Phase III: Performance
Remember, achieving your goals is a journey, not a destination. So don't be too hard on yourself if things don't go as planned. Take it one day at a time, celebrate your successes, and keep pushing towards your goals. You got this!
Take my course
Join my mailing list for the announcement of my April Coaching Lab Learning Series: Keep it Simple! Using a SMART Goal as Part of Your Commitment to Increasing Your Daily Movement.
At the end of this learning series, you'll have the confidence to set smart goals, track your progress, and create a 4-16 week plan to turn your aspirations into reality.
Takeaways
Write a S.M.A.R.T Goal to help with planning your direction
Track your progress on your goal with measurable outcomes
Plan and execute how you are going to achieve your goal by breaking it into smaller parts
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