Set Smart Goals

Why? Because goal setting works. Research studies have shown a direct correlation between goal setting and enhanced performance in both sports and business.

One reason is that goals act like a roadmap. They take you from where you are to where you want to be. Think of it as a long term strategy that can be broken down into a bunch of smaller steps. This can make seemingly impossible tasks doable.

Another reason is that any major accomplishment requires motivation and persistence. The motivation comes from knowing what you want to accomplish and why. Knowing the reasons why will give you the strength to keep going even when the inevitable struggles and obstacles come along.

And, we all live busy lives, it's easy to diffuse our time and energy and never really bring about the things we want to accomplish. Goals provide a way for you to focus your time and energy so that you create what you desire in your life.

So... I encourage you to sit down, pick up a pen and piece of paper and jot down your health and fitness goals. Here's a basic formula that you can follow:

S = Specific

M = Measurable

A = Attainable

R = Realistic

T = Timely

Specific. This is the what, why and how of the goal. What do you want to do? Why is this important to you? And how do you plan to make it happen? For example, instead of setting a goal to lose weight. Set a goal to lose 25 pounds over the next six months by losing a pound a week.

Measurable. You want the goal to be measurable so that you see the progress as it occurs. Rather than setting a goal is to improve your cardiovascular fitness, for example, set a goal to walk or run up 10 of the bleachers at the college football stadium, in an interval fashion (sprint up, walk down) in 15 minutes. It might take you 45 minutes the first time you go out.

Attainable. You want the goal to be within reach, otherwise you'll never stay motivated to achieve it.

Realistic. This just means doable. When you begin to think about transforming your body, for example, it's important to consider your body type (ecto, meso, endo) and then work within that framework when setting goals.

Timely. And finally, you want to set a time frame for your goal. Do you want to be in that size 8 dress in ten weeks, six months or two years? Putting a completion date on your goal gives you a clear target to work toward.