One issue people run into when trying to commit to being fit and healthy is goal setting. A lot of people come into it with the ideas of achieving outlandish goals. Most people only embark on it because a wedding is coming up or class reunion or something. And ridiculously they want to lose 30 pounds in two weeks. Okay, that is a bit exaggerated, but you get where I’m going with this. That is why we need to address setting fitness goals that are high but attainable still.
The first goal you should have is for your end results. And those should be to be healthy and create healthy habits. The ultimate goal in fitness is to be a healthy person and increase your quality of life by being healthier. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look better through fitness, but the main thing is to be able to feel better.
When setting goals, you have to understand that it is going to take a mentally changed mindset. Fitness is just as much in your mind as it is in your body. If you tell yourself you don’t want to go workout, you tell your body its not working out today. Then you don’t workout. So, set your goals to be mentally prepared for your journey and any possible strain that can come from the change.
The next step is to take things one at a time. If you want to lose 30 pounds this year that is fine, but you have to know you can’t lost them in two weeks. It is gradual and takes consistency, not extremities. So there is no need in starving yourself to meet this goal before the year is out. Start now, by making some gradual changes. Like, maybe you have a dessert three times a week instead of everyday.
Set a goal to increase your water intake. Replace a few meals with water instead of that soda or juice. You will get used to it, and you will be surprised how much weight you are able to lose once you start replacing some of these things with water. Also, be sure to set some rest days. It does no good to your body to force it to go full speed when it is completely gassed out. So please factor in time to rest with your goals.
As it helps, set monthly goals. And if you don’t feel accountable with monthly goals, break them into weekly goals. This will help you stay consistent in your achievements, and make it less likely for you to have to do a last minute crunch to reach those goals.
Remember, set more than just one goal. It is much easier to feel better about yourself for achieving four out of five goals than it is to be discouraged about not meeting one goal. And set goals that will create life changes. There is nothing wrong with wanting to fit into those pants or that top, but is that a lasting goal? Make sure your goals are things that will continue to motivate you to be healthy.
Lastly, be okay with what you do accomplishment. Even if you don’t lose everything you wanted to, or you don’t reach your water intake goal, use it. Use it as motivation to be sure to reach your goals for next week or next month. The worst thing you can do is be so disappointed in yourself that you don’t make any effort anymore. So, set a goal to be pleased with what you do accomplish and don’t worry about the rest.