Goals

Haha just kidding. But seriously, a plan without the ability or will to implement it is worth the paper it's written on. There are plenty of blueprints that were never built and lots of great plans that were never executed. I personally think that people need to implement a team and support infrastructure to help them achieve their plans and goals. And to set up some accountability structure. Something like this site where if you say you're going to do something and don't do it, someone can step up and kick you in the pants (gently). Or have reward driven goals "if I lose 20lbs then I can buy a new bike" or something similar.

In your case you have your great family, friends and this site, so if you put a plan down, it's there for you and everyone around you to monitor and follow. In my business we have all sorts of plans and goal setting applications, but the bottom line is that if there is no accountability, people won't achieve their goals. And I know you already know all of this because of the success you have already achieved in your workouts and life, so it's a bit like preaching to the preacher :-)

Great blog!!

said you gotta "plan your work then work your plan!"

:-) Teri

I try to set small, short term goals for myself. A trip, going to someone's wedding, etc... a reason to push myself in the gym. I'll go to the gym or workout regardless, but this gives me the momentum to really push myself past the comfort zone, past the "maintenance" workout.

I have a friend who does semi-professional photography, and she wants to do a photoshoot of me when she comes to visit next month. So, I'm focusing on my tricky areas and working on the parts that I know I can make easy advances on. My legs and abs develop relatively quickly, but I've been getting a bit more fluff and squish in the butt/thigh area (thanks for family heredity). This is the tricky area I've been focusing on, and the improvements are good and motivate me to keep on track.

This is an awesome post! I have many goals and you’re absolutely right – w/no goals there is no direction. On a fitness level – it’s to improve my overall strength and conditioning come “stage time”. Although I have NO control on how the judges will place me, I do intend to make a “name” for myself when I step foot on-stage. On a day to day, it’s always a goal of mine to continuously surround myself around positive people. As “elementary” as this sounds, in order to achieve your goals, you need to surround yourself w/people who are supportive of it and won’t bring you down. The MFT community is an awesome resource for that (but I don’t think I have to tell you that twice)  When I become so focused and intense with training/diet and contest prep – it’s also a goal of mine to keep things in perspective. I have had MANY pep-talks with Jamo who reminds me that at the end of the day, you have to enjoy yourself, in whatever you do. Thanks for sharing this blog with us and allowing us to share!

..starts with a plan .

... is simply a reason, an explanation, an excuse as to why you do the things you do. It's the guideline for doing what you chose to do. If you don't have that, you're just floating around in limbo. For instance, when I train, I have to have a reason for why I train. I have to have a reason as to why i'm putting my body through all the rigours of training. As a matter of fact, I ask myself those question every friggin day. I still don't have the answer completely yet, but I at least know what I can accomplish. But once I know what i'm gearing towards, I set a realistic timeline then go full force toward it... as i'm sure you guys do as well.

The other thing that I find important when discussing this topic is distinguishing between long-term & short-term goals. It's important moreso if they are not directly related. For this reason I find that writing things down helps... as was already said. Another thing is that you can place reminders of your goals in places that you frequent so you're constantly reminded of it. Another simple thing you can do is listen to music that reminds you of your goal. Surround yourself with both people with similar goals as you & with objects. If what you want is as important to you as it should be, you'll do whatever it takes to get you closer to it with each passing day. And if by chance with each passing day yu don't see yourself getting any closer to it, consider changing your plan of action. But never quit... because one goal reached takes you one more step closer to the BIG picture!

I'll ask many people and members in the gym what their goals are, this helps me better understand the person and most important how to approach their circumstance and how to most effectively train and condition them.

One problem, no one rarely has a goal. None that are substantial at the least.
Here is an example of an insignificant short term goal: "I want to look good", "I want to lose weight"
While these goals at least put a thought into your head, they're not enough. They allow too much room for error, lee-way (I dont even know what this word is so Im not sure how to spell it :) ) or padding. They also don't establish anything objective. There are no time frames or any actual data.

If you don't set a goal (implying the proper objective goals for short term, a few months type goal and perhaps a long term goal to help) then you can't accomplish. If you can't accomplish, you can't achieve. If you can't achieve, then you cannot be successful. And without success, you can't stay positive. WIthout positivism you simply cannot stay motivated.

With taht said, there are many ways to track success within the goals specificically set, such as lose "7lbs in 3 weeks". You can keep yourself positive and motivated by feeling better about the daily smart choices you make for your food. You know healthy food is good, but did you know it also helps your mental "will-power" and keeps you feeling succesful because, yes, you did just make a healthy choice and beat off the "old" you who would have typically chosen a Little Debbie Ho-ho or something of the nature. Instead opt to bring fruit and nuts for snacks to work as a first step.
Also, in the gym, daily successes are more reps, higher weight. These are definitely improvements! Running a few minutes longer, with a little more resistance. These little successes are what add up.

Life is a giant journey beginning with baby steps.

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Priming your body before a workout [Warmup]: http://www.myfittribe.com/forums/best-ways-prevent-treat-post-work-out-s...

this is a good question...

well, i set my goals when i think about where i would like to see me in 5 years or 10 years...
what would i want to be doing, and would i want to work hard to reach my goals...
so when i have an ultimate goal..like right now my goal is to move to Jacksonville -FL next summer and work as a trainer
i have to make small goals like a path, with things i need to do to reach my goals

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Romah Buch
Trainer
E-mail: srbuch84@hotmail.com
Profile: www.myspace.com/srbuch
Yahoo: srbuch06
MSN: srbuch84@hotmail.com

I have always made a pacing calendar....in my personal and professional life.
It helps me to stay focussed and even when I have to revamp things, I know I am constantly working toward something.

big hugs!
Teri

You know the saying "if you fail to plan, plan to fail". I suggest small goals for people who have a lot to lose so the BIG goal isn't too overwhelming and stays within reach. For others in maintenance, or trying to constantly improve their physique, sometimes a photo shoot, a bodybuilding/figure show or even a vacation can be a good reason to get in shape and stay on task. Either way, people need to realize your goal should always be to continue to improve. No matter how fast or slow it is to reach your goal - the most important thing is coninuing to move forward. :)

Bonnie Pfiester
www.bonniepfiester.com

I always have goals, such as at the moment:

The goal that I MUST complete: Pass all my exams & assignments in college to get into university in September to do Computer Science. So this has nothing to do with fitness.

My second goal is to get to uni in shape - after being overweight for a few years you get sick to death of being the 'overweight' one in your group of friends, so when I get to uni and meet all my new housemates, I wanna give of a good first impression.

My third goal is to increase muscle size and definition.

And I would also like to gain some strength.

I have a piece of book which I write down everything I eat, drink, train etc everyday to ensure i'm doing what I should be doing...

=)