Setting goals is an excellent way to keep yourself on track. If you set long- and short-term goals, you are more likely to stick to your exercise program. Be sensible in setting up your exercise program. Choose something you enjoy doing and be very specific in setting goals. Ask yourself what exactly it is you want to happen (weight loss? firmer thighs? run a race? run a marathon?), when you want it to happen, and how you will know when it has happened. Make your goals realistic. You can also try to set more ambitious goals, but make sure, you give yourself enough time to achieve them.
Here are some examples of short-term goals:
- I will check out the local gym and become a member of one
- I will find an exercise partner and set up an exercise plan
- I will quit smoking
- I will walk 30 minutes every day
- I will stop drinking soda
- I will brown bag my lunch
- I will go to sleep half an hour earlier
- I will watch less TV and go for a walk instead or prepare my next day lunch
- I will stretch everyday for 15 minutes
Here are some examples of long-term goals:
- I will increase my cardiovascular strength by running 3 times a week for 30 minutes instead of walking
- I will loose 25 pounds (11kg) – I recommend breaking these to smaller goals – I will loose 1 pound a week
- I will run a marathon – great goal to set, but it is really long therm goal, give yourself enough time, get fitness professional to design your workout plan and stick to it
- I will build my strength, so I can do 25 push-ups
- I will build my strength, so I can do 10 chin-ups – great fitness goal to go for
- I will have “six-pack” on my stomach – these goal is achievable, but you need a good nutrition and exercise plan and discipline to hold on to it
Setting goals helps you focus on what you want to achieve. Visualize yourself reaching a major milestone and imagine the satisfaction it will bring.