In any aspect of life, setting goals is necessary to achieve success. In the 1960s, pioneering goal-setting researcher Dr. Edwin Locke found that employees were much more likely to be both productive and motivated when they were given a clear objective. Goal-setting increases a person’s desire to achieve, and the same can be said of fitness ambitions. Follow these steps and set clear, concise goals for yourself. Once you do, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier routine.
Be SMART
SMART is an acronym championed by everyone from the University of Virginia to MIT to Fortune 500 companies for how to set actionable goals. Objectives should be Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic and have a Timeframe. Specific goals will keep you accountable. “Lose weight” is too vague. “Lose 15 pounds in six months” gives you much more direction and allows you to have a way to measure your progress.
Make yourself accountable
Accountability is important in goal-setting. Studies are torn on whether you should tell people your intentions — some say it will make you more accountable; others say it opens you up for judgement, making you less likely to follow through. Decide what method of accountability works best for you — whether that’s telling a friend so that he or she can become a workout partner or keeping to yourself and setting a phone calendar alarm to remind yourself to exercise — and stick to it.
Regardless of which option you choose, you should write down your…