We’ve reached that time of year when we reflect on the year we are about to put behind us and think about the new year in front of us. With that comes the big “R” word: Resolution. You’ve set them before (lose weight, spend less, declutter…you know the drill), but often times you go full steam ahead only to fizzle out by February (if you even make it that far). You may not be setting yourself up for success when selecting and planning your goals. At Full Pedal, we are all about setting goals and providing a supportive community to encourage each other to meet those goals. Here are some tips to successful goal setting.
Goal setting provides direction, clearer focus, peace of mind, improves your self-worth and provides a sense of purpose in life. When setting goals, it is important to think S.M.A.R.T.: Specific, Measurable, Action, Realistic, Timely. Read through each of those words again, and allow each word to sink in. For example, if you set a goal to “lose weight”, but have no defined plan to support it, you most likely will not be successful. However, if you set that goal S.M.A.R.T., the likelihood of obtaining that goal is much larger:
Specific: I will lose 10 pounds by May 1st.
Measurable: The scale doesn’t lie (wink, wink)
Action: I will exercise for at least 30 minutes 3-4 times a week, and I will count calories to ensure I do not exceed my daily recommendation. There are a ton of programs out there, and the Full Pedal Team can certainly help you with a nutrition that couples well with your indoor cycling workout. Our biggest advice is to eat clean.
Realistic: Planning to workout every single day and stop eating would not be realistic and not sustainable. Keep goals realistic and measurable, and keep it relevant to you.
Timely: Set time limits and stick to them. If you plan to lose 10 pounds by May 1st, then do it. Stay disciplined and keep the end goal in sight. Set a reward if needed for incentive. Perhaps you buy yourself a new outfit once you have lost the 10 pounds.
Keep in mind, goals take time, hard work, perseverance and commitment to achieve. They often take time to get the results you hope for. Just like in the Pedal Room, when the work becomes incredibly challenging and you are at your most uncomfortable, you have got to keep the end result in mind and power through it. The feeling of overcoming the obstacles along the way and conquering your goals will leave you with a self-satisfaction and pride like no other.
The Full Pedal Team and Community want to see YOU succeed and we want to encourage you along the way. Studies have shown that you are much more likely to achieve a goal if you write it down, and even more likely if you tell someone. Share your goals with us, we will help hold you accountable and provide incentive along the way.
Here is to making 2019 a year of being the best versions of ourselves, to committing to being the healthiest we can be and loving ourselves and others!
