Setting Goals

"The significance of a man is not in what he attains, but in what he longs to attain."

- Kahlil Gibran

I often reiterate the fact that, Finding Fitness, is a life long pursuit.  At times, we can look at things we strive for, and see no ending point.  The light at the end of the tunnel seems so dim and meager, we become engulfed by the metaphorical darkness.  Quite often, people choose to give up on things, because they seem unattainable.  We at Finding Fitness do not give up! Everyday, we push harder, and harder, and harder.  We know what we want, and we do absolutely everything within our power to get it!

Setting goals is a tremendously important component to the Finding Fitness lifestyle.  In my previous writing, I told you to choose both a short term goal, and long term goal.  Today we will dive into the specifics of goal setting, and the power behind them.

Today's writing applies directly to my current life situation.  Three years ago, I wrote long term scholastic goals for myself.  As I entered my first day at school, I knew exactly what it was, I was going after.  By first setting goals, I had clearly defined objectives to meet.  With each goal, I set specific dates.  This allowed me to follow along a timeline.  It gave me the direct knowledge of knowing my current stand point, in regard to each goal.  As of today, I can say with great pride and honor, that I accomplished every goal I set forward.  The most recent goal was made official by the passing results of my Boards exam, for licensure to practice Physical Therapy.  What's next?  

Goals are not just made to give us something to strive for.  They give us direction.  When you set long term goals, you have a constant reminder to stay on your current path.  Having a well defined, written goal, allows you to see that light at the end of the tunnel.  As time goes by, and you progress towards that goal, you see that your time invested is paying off.

Short term goals are the key to attaining long term goals.  Everyone enjoys recognition, and instant gratification, for specific accomplishments.  When you strive for a long term goal, it is not often you see the "reward." It is a long, challenging, and grueling process.  It is very easy to get caught up in the difficulties of this process.  Short term goals are designed to keep us on track, and to provide us with positive feedback along the way.  

Setting goals in the proper format is critical to uphold validation and ensure success.  The goal must be clearly defined.  "Getting in shape," is a perfect example of what, NOT to do! Rather, create a goal with more specificity, such as "lose 10 pounds." If the goal is specific, and readily measurable, you have a far greater chance of seeing that goal come to fruition.  Recognition of reaching a goal, is just as important as the journey towards the goal.  

Create a timeline.  Short term goals are best measured in 1 month increments.  Long term goals can span from 1 year, to a lifetime.  Having set dates forces you to be honest with yourself, and gives you clarity as to where you currently stand.  

Here is a basic schematic of how short term goals, are directly involved in the long term goal:

LONG TERM GOAL (1 year): Lose 24 pounds

SHORT TERM GOAL (1 month): Lose 2 pounds each month

Every month, this will give you a clear indication as to where you stand with your long term goal.  

Never be afraid to celebrate the success of your short term goals.  They are extremely important.  By celebrating, you are recognizing your efforts and success.  At the same time, be sure to recognize your failures.  Following the established formula from yesterday's writing, you will be able to recognize the failure, define what the cause was, and establish a solution.  Doing this each month is vital to the success of your long term goal.

It is time to write your goals.  Create the goals, and use your invincible determination to make it happen.  As a bonus, write a goal that is virtually impossible, and would require a lifetimes work.  Finding Fitness is not about getting somewhere and relishing in your achievement.  It is about getting somewhere, celebrating success, and pushing towards the next goal.  It is a lifelong commitment towards living your life to the fullest.  Never stop making new goals.  Anything is possible.  It is time to make your dreams a reality.  Always strive to be a....

GOAL GETTER!