Many of us will have made new years resolutions at the beginning of this year but how many of us are still on track? I believe we need to do more than announce our resolutions (although this in itself is not a bad thing) Firstly we need to decide what we want to change, make happen or achieve. This, then, must be followed by some goals.
Our goals need to be specific – this will allow our ideas to become measurable targets. (For example: not just get fitter but do 20 press ups) This goal should be the one you announce to your family and friends and it would be a good idea to say by when you are going to achieve it. Goals should not be too easy or you will fail to satisfy yourself. If they are just a little bit out of reach you will be focussed to achieve and you will probably surprise yourself just how close you get to succeeding.
If you choose a goal ‘to get fitter’ how will you know when you have achieved it? Better to break this down into specific areas of fitness. Do you want to improve your strength, or power, or speed, improve suppleness, improved aerobic fitness – or a combination of these? The next stage would be to write a programme. This should include how often you are going to exercise, at what intensity and for how long.
Once you have started your programme it may help if you keep a diary of what you actually do. This in itself will be rewarding – remember that wintry night when you got yourself down to the gym against all odds? But also, remember to reward yourself as you achieve short term goals along the way. Share your progress with a friend – you never know your enthusiasm may be infectious.