I am really big on goal setting in all areas of life, including fitness. But I also think that when it comes to this particular area, it’s important to have both short term and long term goals.
Let’s say you are in your 30’s and haven’t exercised a day in your life. Your short term and long term goals are likely to be different than someone else in their 30’s who does a moderate amount of physical activity.
So if you are moving from couch potato to fitness enthusiast, your short term goals might be as simple as walking three days a week, for 10 minutes a day. Your long term goal might be to walk a mile.
If you have already been somewhat active, then your short term goal might be to lift weights three times a week. Your long term goal could be to participate in a 2K run.
If you have been active your whole life, a short term goal might be to implement a new workout routine. And your long term goal might be to run in a marathon.
Short term goals that are achievable will give you the drive and motivation to work toward those long term goals. As you master the smaller goals, your ability to strive for more is increased.
The point is to always be challenging yourself, so that you have something to reach for. Yet you don’t want it to be so far beyond your reach that it causes discouragement.
Also make sure your short and long term goals are specific and measurable. This is how you build on your goals.
Of course, you should also identify those obstacles that can stand in the way of meeting your goals. If your short term goal is to walk for 10 minutes, three times a week, your particular obstacle might that you don’t want to do it alone.
If that is the case, then ask a friend to be your walking buddy. Or encourage your spouse to join in.
Spend some time writing down your short term and long term goals. Then determine what obstacles might stand in the way of you achieving them. Finally, come up with a plan to overcome those obstacles.
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