Lewis Carroll (of Alice and Wonderland fame) once said ?If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.? This applies in so many ways in our lives, but particularly in fitness. If you don?t have a specific goal in mind, the road you take to get there doesn?t really matter. Vagueness in your goal setting often results in lackluster effort in performance. When you were a child, your goal was usually the treat at the end of your sporting event, and you worked hard for that juice box and fruit roll. In your fitness efforts, what are you working towards?
Setting realistic goals is key to success in a fitness routine.
Why do I say realistic goals? While running a marathon or completing a century ride are fabulous goals, what is the likely hood that you will be able to accomplish that goal in the short term if you haven?t laced up your sneakers or buckled your helmet more than a handful of times in the last year? Sure, we all want to wear a size 0, but if you are a size 14 right now, how long do you think it would take to get there? Realistic, short term goals are much more motivating (simply because they are much more attainable.)
How do I set realistic, short term goals?
Determine your long term goals-It is ok to have a bucket list of fitness goals. Just remember that these are future goals and not our immediate focus.
Determine what steps it will take to get there– In the example of a bucket list goal of running a Marathon you first need to achieve shorter distances. These could be 5K, 10K, half marathon then marathon.
Set your first goal and commit to it-Buy a pair of jeans that is one size smaller than you currently wear and hang them prominently in your closet, sign up for a local 5K race, find a local beginners bike race or group ride to register for.
Then get to work towards that goal! You will feel amazing the first time you accomplish a fitness goal, be it fitting into those smaller jeans or crossing the finish line in your first race.
These small, attainable goals will go a long way to helping you get started in a fitness routine that works for you.
