Setting Goals and Why They are Necessary
Goals give you focus and motivation, along with helping you avoid procrastination. Setting a goal should be measurable, realistic and relevant to your life. If the goal is not personal you are less likely to change your habits and achieve success.
I find when meeting with clients the most motivated people are the ones that have set goals. If you are new to training and eating a whole foods diet it may take you a few weeks to decide on a goal. Start by asking yourself what it is you want to achieve? This is typically your long term goal; for example, losing 3 % body fat, increasing your bench press by 15 lbs, getting 1 more hour of sleep each night, or cutting out processed foods. Know the purpose of your goal. What will it bring to you when you have achieved this goal? Will it provide a higher quality of life? Knowing the desired result also lets you know when you have achieved success.
“If one does not know to which port one is sailing, no wind is favorable.” – Seneca
Next, I think it’s important to identify small goals that will help you reach your long term goal. Having small triumphs along the way will help keep you motivated. On the flip side, you should expect small failures. After all, being human means being imperfect. It is impossible to change a habit without stumbling along the way, and we grow and learn tremendously more from failure than success. If you are ready for a few small setbacks you are less likely to be totally devastated and give up.
Lastly, and this is often the hardest part, share your goal with someone. By sharing your goal it will help keep you accountable. So, decide what you want to achieve, why you want to achieve it, and how you are going to get there; and you’ll be on your way to creating a realistic personal wellness goal. If you ever feel stuck, please let us know. We are here to help you through every step of the process, from defining your wellness goals to their achievement.
Resources:
Code of Living
J. Harmon