Mistake #1: Setting the wrong goals (OR none at all)
If you read the words “goal setting” and it caused you to groan, roll your eyes and scoff at the idea… you aren’t alone! MOST people resist and don’t actually enjoy creating goals for themselves. Whether it’s because goal setting hasn’t worked for you in the past, or maybe it evokes feelings of fear or embarrassment (of trying something new or potential failure), or perhaps you feel like having to grit your teeth and force an outcome zaps too much joy out of the process. Regardless of the source of resistance, when done correctly the act of goal setting can be VERY effective. Here’s MY thoughts on goal setting… The process allows us to create a clear vision of what we want to accomplish and helps guide and focus our attention on what’s MOST important— talk about an effective tool to save time, money, and frustration! Also, having a goal often forces us out of our comfort zones and ignites a self-discovery process that promotes self-efficacy. Here’s what I mean by setting “wrong” fitness goals: - Goals that are vague/ambiguous
- Unrealistic or unattainable goals
- Goals you think you’re supposed to set, rather than what YOU actually want
- Making weight-loss your primary (or only) goal
Here’s what to do instead: - Create SMART goals (see more about this below)
- Break your primary goal into smaller, more manageable goals
- Recognize weight-loss as a potential benefit of exercise, rather than a primary goal
An important note on weight-loss as a goal What if I told you that the secret to being successful in your fitness journey, was to NEVER make weight loss your primary goal. Sadly, many people make this mistake and it not only leaves them feeling frustrated, exhausted, and miserable, but they often go about it the wrong way and end up LESS healthy and LESS fit than they hoped for. Exercise improves your health and wellbeing whether you loss weight or not. What’s a SMART goal? S- Specific M- Measurable A- Attainable R- Relevant T- Time-bound Examples of vague goals vs SMART goals: “I want to workout more” vs “I will go to the gym at least 3 times a week for the next 4 weeks” “I want to get stronger” vs “I will do resistance training twice a week for the next 4 weeks”
Note: If you’re new to fitness, it’s ok to be somewhat general with your goal setting in the beginning. However, instead of “I want to feel better in my body”, define your goals to an area of focus like “I will learn the basics of mobility training and do daily mobility exercises”. Why SMART goals? Ambiguity is your enemy! You will be more successful in achieving a goal that is clear and concise. Also, SMART goals tend to be said with conviction (I will), rather than just desire (I want). Plus, when you have a clear plan coupled with the necessary tools you’ll be able to reach your goal faster. Now let’s turn all this insight into action and work together to create the “right” goals for you!
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