setting and maintaining clear goals

The setting and maintaining of clear goals is something that I think about often. It is so easy to lose focus, trust me, I know.

importance of setting goals

It is so important to set goals, I can’t overstate this. I’ve tried to wing it and just go plodding/jogging regularly. It was both boring and sometimes it was not enough motive to get me out of the door. It really does not matter what your goal is – it’s yours after all. Have fun setting it. You are running, going to the gym, or walking for your health and well-being and for NO ONE else.

keep it realistic and attainable

Everyone is on a different journey and can cope with a challenge in a different way. When you set your goal, be realistic because if you cannot reach it, it will be super disappointing. It must just be a little more challenging for you where you are now. It is not where you will possibly be in 5 years’ time. There is space to plan that goal but at a later stage. Take one year at a time.

It could be that you are doing 20min on your stationary bike once a week. For the next two months try 15 minutes on the bike twice a week. After that increase both sessions to 20min per session. A while after that try to add in one more session and do it for 15min only and keep the other two sessions at 20min each.

The slow build is the best. Feel the success. That is what will keep you going. Don’t set yourself up for failure, set yourself up for success.

write the plan down

It does not matter whether you are ready to do a one-month plan or a five-year plan. Write it down. It can be a note on your phone or it can be typed up and put on your fridge. Do whatever works for you and what you’ll be able to see regularly. Keep it in front of you. Keep it friendly, keep it real.

turn it into action

As the well-known slogan for Nike is – JUST DO IT! Why else would you have gone to all the trouble to dream and come up with a plan? A plan without action is just, …, well – what is it? I am not sure.

There will be times when the day or time is not possible or available to you. Adapt. What I try to do when I am sick is to just go for a gentle walk outside on the day scheduled. This is, of course, if that is possible. Let sensibility guide. If I have needed to stay in bed, then that is what I do. When I can get up again, then I do. I always start again really slowly. All I try to do is to maintain discipline and routine.

The key here is to do what you want to do. You set the goal. It’s for your wellbeing and health, that is a good enough reason to get moving.

success is possible

Set and plan the goals well and you will experience success. I know that life happens! It happens to me too, just in case you were wondering?

You will not experience success in reaching your goal if you have made it unattainable for now. It may be a great goal for the future, but not for now. Set yourself up for success.

It is super important to experience success now. Please be kind to yourself.

is it relevant

My daughter and I love to run, cycle and swim. My husband loves to walk and hike, he hates running. Our son loves to climb. One size does not fit all.

What is important though, is that we all move, preferably outdoors. We need fresh air, sunshine and a new view.

If you decide jogging is for you and you give it a good go and after a while, you hate it – stop! There are plenty of options out there for what is good for you. Walking is the absolute best, and we can all do that. It does not matter if you start just a couple of meters at first, start somewhere and build up from there. Get moving.

timeline for setting and maintaining clear goals

If you plan on setting and maintaining clear goals reasonably then you will be able to stick to them. You are the only one that knows your schedule family and work commitments and challenges. Plan to succeed.

If a month plan is all you can manage, go for it.

I’m at the stage where I am planning for one whole year. I know, more or less what’s planned, the birthdays, weddings, holidays, and conferences. Building in some buffers, what will I do when … kind of things helps me deal with inconveniences too.

I request leave time to do the triathlon and the wings for life run, those are the main two events that I like to aim for. I do like to do other runs, but that is not always possible with my commitments – I can live with that.

When I have booked something, then I set my training schedule and plan back from that date.

I use the Garmin training plans because they work for me and because I have a Garmin sports watch.

know why it is important

Knowing why it is important is the only thing that will keep you going and motivated.

It helps your brain to function better.

Clears your head.

Lowers your blood pressure.

Helps you to sleep better.

Helps me get perspective.

Relaxes me.

Helps with anxiety.

These are good things and good reasons for us all to get moving. It does not matter where or what but it is so important for our lives and the things we have to deal with. Setting and maintaining clear goals is not difficult to do, keep it simple and real so you can find your success.

What have you felt helps you to stick to your goals? What have I missed? Let me know in the comments.

I’ve so enjoyed the benefits of having worked so hard on doing exercise regularly that I want you to experience it too. This is for regular people like you and me. Join in the fun.