Goal Setting

With New Year’s only weeks away (did 2017 even happen?), we start to reflect on the year just been and what we want for the future. When it comes to reaching our goals, the proper goal setting and planning is key. Below I’m going to outline a handy little tool to help you properly plan, and reach, those new years resolutions

SMART Goals

S – Specific
Without specificity we have no idea what we are actually achieving.  Instead of saying “I want to lose weight”, be specific and say, “I want to lose 10kg”. Turn “I want to tone up” into “I want to build 5kg of muscle”.

M – Measurable
Always include a number. Making your goal measurable allows you to keep track of how far you’ve come and how far you have to go. Saying “I want to lose 10kg” allows you to measure your progress through weekly weigh-ins so you can see and track your progress.

A – Achievable
Is your goal within your reach or are you setting yourself up for failure? Saying “I want to lose 20kg in 10 weeks while balancing a family, full time job, social commitments and only having time for the gym twice a week” is a nice thought but unrealistic.

R -Realistic
Similar to the ‘achievable’, being realistic about your goals sets you up better to accomplish them. It can be the difference between saying “I want to gym 5 times a week” to “I have XYZ commitments, I only have time for 4”. Push yourself, but remember you have a life also.

T – Time
Set a time you want to achieve your goal in. This keeps you accountable and gives you a time frame to work within. Instead of saying “I’m going to lose 10kg this year” say, “I’m going to lose 10kg by December 31st”. Small difference, big result.

Using this guideline, a goal should look something like –

“I am going to lose 5kgs by the end of my 10-week challenge. I will achieve this by going to the gym 3 times a week and following my 10-week challenge eating plan. I will do weekly weigh ins on a Monday morning before breakfast and track and record my progress.”

Good luck challengers and Happy New Year