Healthy Habits of a Triathlete #6: SET GOALS
To be stronger. To be faster. To be more healthy. To lose weight. Most of us have a goal (s) through our triathlon adventures. Goals keep us focused as athletes. They give us a reason for all our "crazy". They also help you stay on track (think back to consistency!!).
Goals are what put your thoughts into actions...
Goal: a desired result
Goals are easy!
Follow these rules: S.M.A.R.T.
Specific: be specific in what goal you intend on reaching. Who, what, when, where, why, and which. It has been proven that specific goals have a greater chance of being accomplished then general goals. Big goal: be a triathlete. Specific goal: complete X triathlon on X date in X city.
Measurable: establish concrete criteria for measuring progress towards your goal. Perhaps this is hitting a particular pace or finishing a workout within a specific time.
Attainable: this goes hand in hand with making your goals specific and realistic at the same time. You have to be able to actually get to the goal. Give yourself an appropriate plan and time to reach the goal.
Realistic: your goals have to be realistic. You have to be able and willing to reach them.
Timely: there has to be a time line for reaching your goals. Give yourself a realistic amount of time but not so much that you get bored or discouraged from reaching them.
By making S.M.A.R.T. goals, you'll be more likely to achieve them. Attitude towards reaching your goals is everything. You gotta BE smart. And realistic. But also flexible and confident. See how easy this healthy habits stuff is !?
"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals." ~Zig Ziglar