Most of you know how I feel about resolutions (FAIL!) and believe that goals are far more better. In 2010 I made a goal to run my first race and in March of 2010 I did Coogan’s 5K, in 2011 I decided to qualify for the NYCM and I did…
When my friend Brett told me that he wrote an article about this very subject, I knew that I had to share it with you guys..enjoy!
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Resolutions vs. Goals
by Brett Cohen
New Year’s Resolutions
The New Year is here! As one year bows out and a new one comes in,
we’re prompted to reflect on our lives and about what we would like to
achieve or change in the New Year. I often hear the phrase: “New Year,
New You”.... but sadly, the vast majority of people fail to capitalize on this reflective phase of their life, and the wishes of a New Year’s resolution inevitably falls back to normal routines and all remains the same... “New Year, Same You”.
Why do so many people that “resolve” to make changes in their life fail?
We start with good intentions but it takes more than good intentions to
achieve sustained change.
Resolution
This is the time of year when many people begin to “resolve” to: “be more
healthy”, “lose weight”, or “eat better”. However these statements are
abstract, immeasurable, and indefinable. The definition of resolution is; a formal expression of will, or intent. Forget resolutions! They don’t work,they lack accountability.
Resolutions do not have a strategy, a plan. Instead work on setting goals.
Goals
Goals, on the other hand, are clear, measurable and time bounded. Goals are the result of achievement toward which effort is directed. Goals provide you with a roadmap to go from wherever you are to wherever you want to be.
Here are some tips to help you reach your goals.
A goal is most powerful when written with the following attributes:
• Specific: “I will to lose 30 pounds in the next 3 months.” rather than “I want to lose weight”. Or, “I will drink 1/2 my body weight in ounces of water every day.”, rather than “I want to be healthier.”
• Measurable: You can cross it off a list. If you set a goal of exercising 3 days per week and schedule it in your calendar you an easily see if you’ve reached your weekly goal.
• Affirmative: They should be affirmed with positive statements like: “I
exercise 2 times per week.” vs. “I want to exercise more often.”
• Realistic: Your goal must be realistic. If it’s not, you are setting yourself up for failure. If you aren’t exercising at all and you say you’ll get to the gym 4 days/week that is not realistic and as soon as you begin to fall behind you will get discouraged and likely quite altogether.
• Time Sensitive: By when? Always state the date you intend to complete your goal by. If no deadline exists there isn’t much incentive to achieve them.
If you’ve had challenges making changes in the past and you are serious about your health and fitness, you may consider the services of a coach to help you establish and reach your goals.
A coaches job is:
1. Assess exactly where you are now.
2. Clarify where you truly want to go.
3. Identify obstacles and how to overcome them.
4. Provide a framework that allows you to build a bridge between them that becomes the roadmap to your success.
5. Document progress and accomplishments.
6. Encourage you to stay the course.
7. Help you get incredible results!
At ITS Coaching is available to anyone who needs help in determining what goals are realistic for you and in creating a customized plan of action that will help you succeed.
-Brett Cohen is a Sports Performance Coach, Holistic Lifestyle Coach,
Fitness Presenter and Education and founder of:
www.integratedtrainingsystems.com
What goals did you set for 2012?
Namaste…
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