Ever see someone and just stare in complete awe?…wondering what it took for them to get where they are now… The focus, the dedication, the drive and persistence, not to mention, the support, knowledge and other tools needed to get there? If you’re human… then chances are you have. These people who we idolize all have something in common. They had goals, and they executed them. They went out and worked for them. They outlined, planned, and attacked their goals, then created higher ones.
As a trainer and nutritionist, my first session with a client isn’t brutally murdering their muscles through a workout or immediately putting them on a standard meal plan….It’s helping them assess a plan of attack; and in most cases, an actual goal. Many people can see what they want, visualize what they’d like to see in the mirror, how they want to feel when doing the things they love, but correctly communicating those goals, and understanding what it takes to reach them is a whole ‘nother story. Most people have a number in their heads of what they think they need to see on the scale, sometimes it’s a weak goal, as if they’re planning to fail, and other times, it’s unrealistically aggressive.
When setting goals, there’s a simple protocol to follow.. it’s SMMART.. I’m sure you have seen a variation of it in the past, but here’s my take:
S- Specific. Do your research. Understand what exactly you want to see. for instance, is it “skinny” or “lean”, do you want to lose weight, or lose body fat? (yes, many times, they go hand in hand, but they do result in different aesthetic outcomes). Once that’s established, how much?
M- Measurable. Take measurements. You need to start somewhere, and as much as we dread the scale, calipers and tape… it’s a necessary evil to determine progress. Who knows.. when you feel like you’re having a bad week, the numbers may tell you differently, rejuvenating your motivation to continue.
M- Maintainable. Many times, the models and athletes you see in the magazines look like that for only days at a time. They’ve trained and prepped, and are strategically positioned with proper lighting for these shows, and photo shoots to look the way they do. Many of them do not stay THAT lean, tone, and ridiculous year round. Understand what type of lifestyle you’re willing and able to live, without selling yourself short (i.e. being lazy in settling), and still be confident and proud of your results.
A- Attainable. Is this something that is possible for you to reach? Does your work, family, medical allow for it?
R- Realistic. For goodness sakes.. make sure the goals you choose are actually realistic ones. For example.. don’t expect to lose 50 pounds in one month. (I know, total exaggeration…but I’m just trying to make a point). This really goes hand in hand with “attainable”…
T- Timeable. OK, so maybe I made that word up.. but it sounds pretty good. But just like in the real world, school, work… we have due dates. you need to hold yourself accountable to your goals.. give yourself a deadline. Events are great deadlines.. whether it’s for a wedding, a reunion, a holiday, a vacation, a show, a photo shoot, a dance, etc.. PLAN SOMETHING, if you don’t have anything..
Instead of setting your goals short, for fear of failing, recruit the experts who are trained in helping you through these unknowns. The more “unknowns” become “known”, the less excuses you have to fail.. The more you have to work with, the better. Though, having a support network is amazing, at the end of the day; these goals are yours and yours alone. Only you can want them bad enough to reach them. The question is, do you?
The Only Thing Between You and Your Goals Are Your Own Excuses.
Pulsification in Progress 