New Year's Resolutions
Most people start a new year's resolution by saying 'I am going to stop this' or 'I'm going to start that' but they don't plan how they're going to do it so when the going gets tough they fall off the wagon very easily. It doesn't have to be that way. With a proper plan you can set realistic tangible goals and create a compelling action plan that will give you a road map to achieving your goals. Wanting something isn't enough. You have to have a plan to get there. Below are a few pointers to consider when setting goals.
Fail to plan, plan to fail. Don't let this be you this year!
Setting Specific goals
To ensure success in goal setting you must begin by being clear on exactly what it is you want. If it's weight you want to lose how much weight? By when? Do you want to lose weight in pounds or kilos or drop a dress size? The more specific your goal, the easier it is to achieve it and the easier it is to measure achievement.
Measurement
Another important factor in goal setting is measurement. How will you know you have achieved your goal? How will you measure it? Can you measure it quantitatively (I want to lose X amount of pounds) or qualitatively (I want to feel healthy)? Qualitative measurement isn't as definite as quantitative so you may have to define exactly what you mean by feel healthy.
Decide how you will measure your progress so that you know when you have reached your destination.
Timed
Your goal should be timed. You should give yourself and deadline and stick to it. The reason it is important to have a specific date and time for completion is so that you're not forever moving your finish line. By not giving yourself a time to finish you may take a year for what could be done in a month. When there's no real urgency you will take longer than necessary at best or at worst, not complete the task at all. Without a date your goal is just a dream. Many people have dreams but few have GOALS. Dreams often remain just that - dreams. But goals are specific, planned and timed.
Remember it this way: A goal is a dream with a date!
These are just a few pointers. There is so much more involved in goal setting like how you phrase it, writing your goal down, reviewing and updating regularly, breaking it down… But the essential thing is to have a goal in the first place! So give yourself some time, grab a pen and some paper and get planning!
Have a wonderfully productive New Year achieving your goals!
Sally x
(For more on goal setting book a free 30 minute coaching session and see whether clear goal setting could help you to achieve your health and fitness goals quicker and more efficiently. Or visit us at our next Lifestyle Seminar this month (see below for details).
SHL Lifestyle Seminar - Saturday 18th January 2014
Want to learn how to be fit and healthy and be motivated to do it? At SHL Lifestyle Seminars we teach more that just regular weight loss tips but how you can actually stop being addicted to foods, eat the foods that promote healthy weight and hormonal balance and give you a better outlook on life; and how to exercise easily, cheaply and according to the goals and lifestyle you have.
A healthy lunch is included in the four hour workshop-style session and you will be shown live demos on exercises and equipment used.
Plus lots of fun and games as you get to know people just like you.
SHL Lifestyle Seminar
18th January 2014, 10am-2pm
Third Door
16 Point Pleasant
London SW18 1GG
10 Early Bird tickets available £45 each (£60 thereafter).
For more info see Eventbrite booking page or visit website www.sallyhumphries.com or email info@sallyhumphries.com
Hope to see you there!
