For What It's Worth: Goals

I had a discussion today with two clients about goals. I had a second separate conversation with another client later in the day about incentives. Here are my thoughts on the topic….. for what it’s worth.

First, you MUST have goals. Think about what you want to achieve in the next 2 months and write it down. Before you do that, make sure it meets the following criteria.

1) Make sure it is specific and measurable. Don’t just say you want to work out more. How many days a week do you want to work out? How long do you want to work out on those days?
2) Make sure it is realistic. If you tell me you want to drop 50lbs in 2 months I will tell you to that you are setting yourself up for failure (and injury) and ban you from watching Biggest Loser.
3) Make sure you have a plan. If you tell me you want to run a 5k in 3 months, I will ask you to break it down into smaller steps (for example: find a race, register, get a training outline ……) What are the puzzle pieces?
4) Set up an incentive. Accomplishing your goal may be enough of an incentive for you. For most of us, we need an incentive/bribe/reward. Whatever you call it, you need compensation. I have had several clients that have been trying to supplement our workouts together with their own workouts several times per week. When they were successful, I gave them a free session. I value my time but I value their successes more! Be creative. I will help where I can.

I hope this helps. In the next week I will be asking you what your goals are. Feel free to post them here where I can comment.

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Today's Workout: Crossfit "Helen"
Today's Confession: I had to do my own goals today. When you achieve your goals, sometimes you forget to set new ones.