It’s that time of the year again– \u00a0It’s the time when many people start to create their new year resolutions. \u00a0While I try and shy away from new year resolutions (I like to set goals throughout the year), I still take this time of year to look at creating some goals.<\/p>\n
Resolutions often fail for a myriad of reasons, but it’s usually because no plan of attack was created– \u00a0It’s the idea that, January 1st is here, so I must achieve! \u00a0When that goal is not realized quickly (great things take time), it becomes discouraging, and by the time February 1st rolls around, we’re looking more concerned with whether it’s a leap year than what we resolved to do for the new year. \u00a0(2015 is not, by the way.)<\/p>\n
So, choose to make new year goals, rather than resolutions– \u00a0but don’t stop there! \u00a0Create “SMART Goals.” \u00a0“SMART Goals” are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely; by making SMART Goals, you can better set yourself up for success. \u00a0Here’s an example for how to create some fitness related SMART Goals:<\/p>\n
Step 1:\u00a0Figure out what you want to accomplish, and be realistic.<\/strong> \u00a0This is basically looking the broadest form of your goal, and it should be both attainable and realistic. \u00a0My goal is to compete in at least 2 bodybuilding shows this year at a better level of conditioning than last year.<\/p>\n Step 2: \u00a0Narrow down your goal into something very specific and measurable.<\/strong> \u00a0To continue with an example of one of my goals: \u00a0I competed last year at between 6 – 8% body fat. . . \u00a0So to create a specific, measurable goal for this year: \u00a0I will compete in 2 or more bodybuilding shows at <4% body fat.<\/p>\n Step 3: \u00a0Define a realistic deadline.<\/strong> \u00a0Deadlines can sometimes be trouble, because if you achieve your goal by the deadline, some have the tendency to give up their new found success \/ positive changes because to them, “it’s over.” \u00a0Part of most goals should include the caveat that this goal is part of a lifelong lifestyle change. \u00a0If your goal is to eat healthier by a certain date, your goal should also include moving past that date. \u00a0In a similar vein, you should also make sure that these goals can be attained in a reasonable amount of time– wanting to lose 10 pounds in a month is unrealistic and impossible. \u00a0 To continue with my goal as an example: \u00a0I \u00a0will compete in 2 or more bodybuilding shows at <4% body fat starting in June 2015, and will correctly reverse diet out of the show to minimize body fat gain.<\/p>\n Step 4: \u00a0Turn your goal into a series of benchmarks.<\/strong> \u00a0Breaking your goal up into smaller goals will help you immensely– \u00a0Not only will it help you stay motivated, but it will also help you stay on track for your goals. \u00a0With my goal, I could figure out my starting body fat percentage, and from there, I could calculate how much body fat I would need to lose each month to stay on track toward my goal. \u00a0For ease, let’s just say that I would need to lose 4 lbs. \/ month to reach my goal. \u00a0I can then take that a step further and break it down into biweekly goals (weekly would drive me bonkers)– \u00a0I would need to lose 2 lbs. every 2 weeks in order to achieve my goals.<\/p>\n And there is one of my goals. \u00a0I started at the very broad goal of\u00a0competing in 2 shows looking better than last year, and have narrowed it down to the SMART Goal of losing 2 lbs. every 2 weeks. \u00a0You can make it even more specific if you need, but that’s just one example of how you can set yourself up for success in the new year!<\/p>\n So what are your goals, and how will you achieve them?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It’s that time of the year again– \u00a0It’s the time when many people start to create their new year resolutions. \u00a0While I try and shy away from new year resolutions (I like to set goals throughout the year), I still take this time of year to look at creating some goals. 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