Goal Setting 101
Jordan Seda, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS, FRCms, CCPC
Scenario.
It’s January 1, 2020.
If you work at or attend a gym, you know that it will be buzzing in no time!
So many people have made it a priority to lose weight, try a new activity or maybe even spend less time on electronics (I need to do more of the latter!). For a few weeks, it is easy to remain focused on your new goals...until life gets in the way!
Cold, rainy day? Meh, I’ll just go to the gym tomorrow.
Forgot to check your best friend’s story on Instagram and it’s 11:00 p.m.? I’ll just scroll for a little and then go to sleep.
The most difficult part about goal achievement is making a new habit part of your lifestyle. It is one thing to be motivated or inspired. It is another to channel that positive energy into a lifestyle change. For example, I have made daily meditation a priority for me. The best time for me to meditate is in the morning. HOWEVER. I don’t always wake up fully refreshed or feel like I don’t have a million and one things I need to get done. It has taken conscious, consistent effort to put life on pause for a few minutes each morning, but I’m happy to say that it has worked! Meditation has been my outlet for being with myself and to shut out any external distractions; even for just a short period of time.
I am no stranger to starting a new activity and falling short of my goal. It is not easy! Sometimes, other things in life might pose a challenge or even take priority over any specific goal. Just do your best! Nonetheless, here are my two cents to help get you to the finish line:
Set reminders. It might be annoying to get notifications on your smartphone, but it is helpful to be reminded of your goals.
Be realistic. If your goal is to run a half marathon in 2020, but you have not run in many years, take it slow. Gradually increase your mileage and be sure to rest.
Ask for help. We rarely ever go down a path by ourselves. Seek guidance from friends, professionals or other groups of people. It also helps to gain reassurance that we are doing well or to be advised on how to navigate the difficult aspects of a new endeavor.
Forgive yourself if you fall off and move forward! Shit happens! Don’t let a few days of losing sight of your goal derail the entire journey! Get back on that horse and keep going
Do it with a friend! Friends wants us to succeed! If we have a shared goal with a friend, we can hold each other accountable when one friend decides to slack off!
All in all, there is much to look forward to in the new year. Though a new year offers a clean slate, however, it will be more of the same if you don’t seize the opportunity to grow and be a better version of yourself!
I wish you all the happiest of holidays and a Happy New Year! 2020 is sure to be another great year!
Cheers!
Jordan Seda, ‘The Abstract Physio’