How to Stay on Track with Your 2016 Goals
Our last post focused on the resolutions you should be making this year, but it's now time for action. You've decided what you want to achieve this year, but how are you going to do it?
Here are our top five tips to help you succeed.
1. Be Specific.
We all want to improve our health/deadlift/WOD times - but that’s alone isn't enough. If you have nothing specific to aim for, how will you measure your success?
This doesn't have to be an exact science. Last time, we discussed how being too fixated on the result can have a negative effect. Instead, break down your goal into specific sub-goals.
For example, if you want to improve your deadlift, think about how you're going to do it.
Does your technique need some work? Get specific about which aspects you'll be improving and - this is important - how you'll know it's working.
It's okay to pick a target weight, as it's good to have something to aim for, but don't get too hung up on it. Be specific with the process, and the results will follow.
2. Be Realistic.
Are your goals achievable? Once you've planned how you're going to achieve them, it should be easy to work out.
Whilst it's a good idea to set your sights high, you also need to be realistic. If they're too ambitious, you might end up feeling deflated when you don't achieve them.
Something else to consider is this: how many things can you actually achieve? Because of the 'constantly varied' nature of the sport, it's natural that you want to kick ass at everything you do. But this isn't always manageable.
Prioritise your goals, and work through the first few before moving onto the next.
3. ...BUT Stretch Yourself.
Sometimes, you'll smash a target much easier than expected. Make sure your goals are challenging from the start.
A good strategy is to set yourself a baseline goal, and a stretch goal. This way, if you hit your first target faster than you expected, you have something bigger to aim for. This could set you up for a year of epic achievement!
4. Keep Track.
You keep track of your training, so why not keep track of your resolutions too?
You should know exactly where you're at, at any given moment. Otherwise, how will you know whether you're actually making any progress?
Keeping your goals are specific and measurable means you always know where you are, and when you're going next.
5. Set Timescales.
It’s easy to get stuck in the ‘long game’ making pledges you’re going to achieve your goals ‘by the end of the year’.
If you have a procrastination habit, this isn't enough. You need to set specific timescales for your goals, too.
Mix up your long-, medium- and short-term goals. Not only are you more likely to achieve them, but you're also more likely to work on them CONSISTENTLY throughout the year.
If you only have long-term goals, you're more likely to forget about them. Make all your goals time-bound, and share them with your WOD buddies. That way, you can stay accountable to each other as the year progresses.
What are your goals for 2016? Share them in the comments and get accountable!
