Not All Goals Are Created Equal!
Type 1 - The goals other people want you to do
Have you ever done something just because other people wanted you to do it? Maybe it involved some kind of bribe? I remember when i was little my mum wanted me to take swimming lessons (not an idea i was too fond of so she bribed me into doing it by bying me some new gear for my bike :) The point being that my motivation for doing this wasn't very strong and therefore my attitude and results towards it were not too great at all!
Type 2 - The goals that you want for you
These are the most common, something like I want to lose 5kg so I have more energy or I want to earn "x" to buy a new TV so I can watch the grand final on it etc... These goals are more powerful than the type 1 as it's something that YOU actually want. Eg: You're much more likely to try hard at your swimming lessons if you want to be an awesome swimmer as opposed to your mum wants you to be.
Type 3 - The type that are based around others
Most people feel bad about letting others down and genuinely want to make a difference. The good news is we can use this to our advantage when setting goals! See a goal like I want to lose 10kg's to be an example for my kids and show them how to lead a healthy happy lifestyle is far more powerful than wanting to lose it for yourself or because your husband (or ex husband) said you need to. If you wake up for your morning workout when you're not feeling so great and weigh up the pro's and con's of getting out of bed you need the pro's to outweigh the con's in order for you to get your butt out of bed! There aren't too many pro's bigger than setting an example for your little one's.
No kids? Never fear your's might be something like getting to "x" kg's so you can feel confident talking to guys when you're out - whenever your low on motivation remember the last time you were in that situation with zero confidence and BANG you're out of bed and at the gym!
The takeaway? (not talking about Chinese food)
1. Don't waste your time setting goals other people want for you.
2. If it's a you based goal make sure it's something big and YOU have a HUGE desire for it (if it's not powerful enough you won't take the action required).
3. Try and base your goals around benefiting others (you'll generally find this benefits you as well!)
I hope that helps!
Good luck with the goal setting (not that you need it!)
Remember - if it's not written down it's not a goal and don't be afraid to THINK BIG! I give you permisson :)
Dedicated to your fitness success,
Jake
