Let’s talk about goals—specifically, how we often set them but then face that overwhelming sense of doubt when the going gets tough. We all get there, right? You’re not alone in this.
Let me take you back for a second to one of my favorite Grammy moments: Carrie Underwood. She stepped on stage, and let me tell you, her performance was electric. Have you ever watched someone sing with so much power that it literally gives you chills?
It’s like she’s so full of energy, she can’t help but transfer it straight through the screen. And I can’t help but wonder—does she feel it too when she sings, or is it just us?
Anyway, enough of the Grammy excitement—back to life and goals.
Set Goals That Are Bigger Than Today
You’ve probably heard the quote, “Live life, set goals, have happy days.” I swear by this one—it’s my personal mantra. It’s powerful because it forces us to think about something bigger than our current situation, something that fuels you to push past all the days that feel like they’re just…there.
But let’s be real, setting goals isn’t always a breeze. Sure, the big dreams excite us, but then comes the anxiety—will we get there? Will we even make progress?
Here’s what I’ve learned from years of goal-setting. First, keep your goals realistic. That doesn’t mean small or unambitious, but it does mean acknowledging where you are right now and working from there.
Don’t compare your pace to anyone else’s. Everyone’s starting point is different. And when you feel like you’ve hit a wall, remember that’s just part of the journey. You have to re-evaluate. And it’s ok to adjust the path if you need to.
The Power of Mini Goals
Now, let’s talk fitness because—let’s face it—goals often go hand in hand with getting fit, right? A healthy lifestyle is a journey, not a destination, and having mini goals is the key to making it manageable.
I’m not talking about running a marathon on day one. (Unless you’re superwoman, in which case, hats off to you.) What I mean is setting little markers along the way. These are your mini goals—small wins that make the journey less daunting.
For instance, if you’re coming back after a hiatus, your first mini goal could be as simple as overcoming that dreaded fear of stepping into the gym again. From there, it could be managing a 5K, then moving up to a 10K, and eventually a half marathon.
For those of us who are not trying to run a marathon anytime soon, mini goals might look like doing 25 consecutive sit-ups or holding a 30-second plank. Work your way up to 50 sit-ups and 1-minute planks.
And here’s the magic of it: if you push yourself just a little bit further than yesterday, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Diet Doesn’t Have to Be a Dirty Word
Now, let’s tackle the word “diet.” Honestly, I cringe when I hear it because it often implies something restrictive, like depriving yourself of the foods you love. But I’m not about that life.
For me, “diet” is just about the overall consumption of food that complements your fitness goals. It’s not about slashing out carbs or hitting the gym for hours; it’s about making smarter choices.
Think about the time you spend picking out accessories for an outfit—you’re careful, right? Apply that same energy to your meals. You don’t need to go overboard, just make those small, consistent choices that build a healthy routine.
Maybe your goal is to shed 25 pounds by summer. Break it down. Set a mini goal of losing 4 pounds per month. It’s totally doable, and guess what? It feels good along the way.
Start small—like shopping from the perimeter of the grocery store, eating out once a week, or making healthier snacks. Focus on real, whole foods that support your fitness goals.
And remember, don’t punish yourself for indulging in a treat every now and then. Life’s too short for that, and balance is key.
How to Set and Achieve Your Fitness Goals
So, how do you go about setting your fitness goals and making them stick? Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping things on track:
1. Take a Snapshot of Where You Are
Before you can set any goals, you need to assess where you’re starting from. Are you coming back from a setback? Did life throw a curveball that kept you from your fitness routine? Identify what’s holding you back.
2. Visualize Your Big Goal
Once you’re clear on where you stand, think long-term. Do you want to run a 10K? Or do you want to lose weight and build strength? It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it’s meaningful to YOU.
3. Break It Down Into Mini Goals
Big goals are great, but they’re easier to achieve when broken into smaller, manageable chunks. Like I said earlier, mini goals give you satisfaction and help keep you motivated. Maybe your first mini goal is to wake up 30 minutes earlier for a workout.
4. Celebrate the Small Wins
When you hit a mini goal, give yourself credit. It could be something simple like giving yourself a high five in the mirror or enjoying a healthy treat after a workout. These little moments of success add up.
5. Adjust as Needed
Sometimes, life doesn’t go according to plan. Maybe you get injured or your schedule changes. That’s ok. Reevaluate your goals and adjust them to fit your new circumstances. Flexibility is key.
FAQ
Q1: How do I stay motivated when I feel like I’m not seeing progress?
A: It’s easy to get discouraged, but trust me, progress isn’t always visible at first. Focus on the small wins, not just the big goal. You might not see immediate results, but that doesn’t mean you’re not getting stronger or healthier. Keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step each day.
Q2: What if I get off track?
A: It happens to all of us. Life gets in the way sometimes. Don’t be hard on yourself! The important thing is to not quit altogether. Take a breath, recalibrate, and start again. Don’t let a setback stop you from achieving what you’ve set out to do.
Q3: How can I build a better self-image while working on my fitness goals?
A: Start by being kind to yourself. The mirror should reflect your strength, not just your physical appearance. Set a goal to look at yourself with love and appreciation each day. That kind of mindset will make all the difference in your fitness journey.
Feeling Like a Rockstar Yet?
Here’s the thing: you’re going to have days where the motivation is high, and other days when it’s a little more challenging. But that’s part of the process. Embrace it all. Celebrate the highs, learn from the lows, and always keep striving for something bigger than today.
One last tip: remember that the journey to your goal isn’t a race. It’s a lifestyle. Embrace it, enjoy it, and know that every small step is a victory in itself.
Now go out there and be bigger than the day you’re living in. You’ve got this.
