Every year people make New Year’s resolutions and by the end of the second week of January, most of them are broken. One of the problems is that they’re just resolutions, without a path to reach them. You can start your resolution today, but don’t forget to turn it into a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. It’s the only way you’ll make your resolutions come true.
SMART is how you can remember to make goals.
As noted before, goals must be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-based. Those letters create the acronym SMART. Specific goals include goals like, I will lose twenty pounds, not I will lose weight. Measurable is included in the goal, since it names the number of pounds, but can be broken down to I will lose two pounds a week for ten weeks. If your goal was to lose twenty pounds in a week, it wouldn’t fit the next category, attainable. Relevant means it’s important to you, not just a whim. Finally, time based indicates you have a specific time frame, not just some day, because without it, you don’t know if you’re succeeding or failing and some day never comes.
No matter how much paperwork you do to make it a goal, you have to take action.
If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you may use the goal setting experience as a new way to put off starting your fitness regimen. Be true to yourself. Identify whether it’s what you’re doing and just do something. It’s one reason we offer virtual training, so you can begin your program immediately. Without action, there are never any changes and if you want positive changes, you must do something, NOW.
You don’t have to go big.
You can start small and make minor changes. Take a walk every day if you’re not ready for a full workout program or fit enough to start one. As your fitness improves, gently move toward a program of regular exercise. If you want to lose weight, start by giving up sugar. It’s the toughest thing to do, since sugar is in everything and very addictive. Keep a journal of your changes or take a photo of yourself to log your progress. It won’t take long before you’ll notice changes in your appearance and overall health.
- Fitness takes both physical and mental changes. You have to have the proper mindset. Working out not only trains the body, it trains the brain neurons. Find activities you enjoy, making it easier to stick with your program.
- Always look forward and never backward. Don’t look at all the failures of the past. That won’t change them. Instead, get rid of the negativity and congratulate yourself for all the positive steps you take.
- When you’re getting into shape, focus on more than just the scales. Take measurements, pictures of yourself and note your energy level on paper. You’ll see that you’re making progress when you stick with the program, even on those weeks when the scales say differently.
- Working out is more fun when you have a workout buddy. It also keeps you more accountable when you workout with someone else. If you work with us, a personal trainer acts in that capacity. If you’re working out on your own, find a friend, spouse or family member to join you.
For more information, contact us today at UpFit Training Academy
