goal
-the object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.
Let's talk about goals, but more specifically let's talk about training goals.
Training for most of us is something we look forward to in our day, it's good to get a sweat on, lift some weights, run and jump etc. We enjoy exercising and being active, we love the feeling we get after finishing a good hard session of training, all is right in the world in those moments after finishing a workout when we're sitting in a puddle of our own sweat, drinking a Fit Aid and chatting with our mates.
But some days it can be hard to find the motivation to get your butt to the gym. Yep, getting there is the hardest part, pulling yourself off the couch or driving the extra distance from work instead of going straight home can be a mental battle. And most days once we're in the box it all gets better, and we're glad we didn't take the easy option.
But some days, getting our sweat on just isn't enough motivation to get to the gym and we'll succumb to flicking through TV channels on the couch.
And until of late, I wouldn't have understood what the hell you were talking about, why the fuck would you choose to stay home on the couch over getting in the gym to get the work done...
Because over the past 7 or so years of my training, I have been fortunate enough to have always had goals. My goals were both long term and short term, but there was always a focus to the training.
All that changed when getting back from California after competing at the CrossFit Games and deciding to no longer compete in the sport of CrossFit. I found I had nothing to train for, nothing driving me to push harder during tough workouts. Along with that I had little direction and I was just taking it day to day.
I had no goals and nothing to keep me accountable, something had to change...
This is where goals are an important part of our training and fitness journey. Having a desired outcome -our reason why- is a great motivator to get to the gym and get the work done. It is something that I have taken for granted over the years, since I've always had a reason why, and it isn't til now that I can appreciate the daily struggles to stay motivated and driven, some of us can have from time to time.
But having a goal is not going to do it for us alone, it's not a magic pill that ensures success and unlimited drive to reach your end goal. We need to add in a few other elements to ensure we stay focused, stay keen and set ourselves up for our best chance to reach our goals.
Being accountable to your goals and having a carefully laid out plan to achieve your goals is imperative to success.
Accountability is an easy one.. Put it out there! You don't have to post it on social media or anything like that, but speaking with your coach, talking to your friends, especially your friends at the gym, about your goals can really keep you accountable. Because as you know, if you don't rock up to the gym one day, especially if you've announced you'll be there, everyone knows you're not there!
Another great way is to write your goals down and pin them somewhere you'll see them daily. The constant reminder keeps it fresh in your mind and will help to keep you driven.
So being accountable not only to yourself but those close to you is an important part of goal setting.
We've all heard it, "Failing to plan, is planning to fail". All of our big goals will have many smaller goals along the way, we must map it all out before we start, and plan how we're going to achieve each of our smaller goals to get us to our end goal. This is a great motivator to keep putting in the effort as there are many chances for celebration and the feeling of real achievement, especially when our big goals may seem out of reach at first.
Obviously speaking with your coach is the best way to both set your goals and then set your plan to achieve them.
As for me, I have now set myself a new goal and found myself a coach! I am now accountable and working towards an end result. I've put it out there and now going through the process of achieving it.
My training motivation is back, my plan is set and I'm content in knowing I'm doing all I can each day to reach my goal.
If you have been struggling for motivation of late, please take the time to sit down and write down what it is you want to achieve, both long term and short term. I want you to share them with myself as your coach and others you want to help hold you accountable.
If you find it hard to think of anything you want to achieve, or don't think it's achievable, please don't hesitate to have a chat with me about it. We can work together in laying out a plan and setting some targets for you to hit in 2017. Happy training!!
Book your spot NOW and kick start your 2017!