Have you ever struggled to get started on a fitness and health journey? Does it feel overwhelming at times and leave you wondering where to begin? Many people feel that way. They know they want to change their current habits and take their health more seriously, but getting started can be hard. Changing your behaviors or working towards a goal requires a plan. Having a specific goal is important for staying motivated and maintaining self discipline.
To begin, start by creating a positive and achievable goal. Perhaps your goal is to lose 5 lbs, or to exercise at least 3 days per week. This is doable and gives you a clear objective. Goals that are not specific, like “I want to lose weight” are harder to achieve. We tend to give up quicker if we don’t set a specific goal.
Next, set a time frame. Maybe you want to lose 5lbs in one month or exercise 3 days per week for 6 weeks. This gives you a short term to goal that is manageable. It is also important to set a longer term goal as well. In a six month period of time, what would you like to achieve? Do you want to lose 20lbs or increase your workouts to 4 days per week? Another goal could be to increase the amount of weight you lift during a workout. Having a short and longer term goal gives you a reason to keep going. I also recommend an even longer term goal of up to one year from now. It could be to try new exercise modalities within the year, increase the number of days you lift weights to 3 or 4 days per week, or lose a specific amount of weight. It could be something simple like being able to walk or run a specific distance or hike a certain trail. The options are endless!
The next step is to make a plan. How will you achieve this goal? Write down the things you need to do in order to achieve your goal. If your goal is to lift heavier weights, then plan out how often you will try to increase your weights and how many days per week you will lift. If your goal is weight loss, plan out what healthy foods you will add to your diet and plan out your caloric intake.
Now it’s time to take action! Find an accountability partner who will check in with you and encourage you on your journey. It can be a friend, spouse, coach, or trainer. Tell them your plan and give them permission to keep you accountable. Acquire the things you need to get started, and do it!
As you reach your short term goals, make new goals to keep you working towards your long term goals. Once you lose 5lbs, make a new goal to lose 10lbs. If you stayed committed to exercising three days per week, bump it up to 4-5 days per week. Always keep re-evaluating your goals and making new ones that get you closer to your long term goals.
Having a specific goal or goals will help you stay motivated, because you have something you are working towards. Praise yourself for every little achievement you make along the way, and stay committed until it becomes a habit.
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