Got Goals?

So what do you want out of a resolution? And more importantly, why haven’t you met it? The one thing that many of us have in common is our setting resolutions, but the other thing that is just as common is our lack of having a true goal.


Many of us would agree that goals are what makes the world go round. People who are considered successful may be successful at different things, but they all have similarities when it comes to goal setting. So let's get some goals!



These are the things I think you’re goals need to have:
· Specific
· Measurable
· Realistic
· Flexible


Goals need to be specific. I often hear that people want to be healthy. I wonderful goal of course, but boy, getting healthy can involve quite a few things. And although all of them are good, too many of them all at once is just as bad as having none at all. Can you juggle five tennis balls? Probably not. But can you ‘juggle’ one? That’s more likely – and you’ll have a better chance if you try to narrow down what it is you want to concentrate on.


Goals need to be measurable. Losing weight is great, but how much do you want to lose? There’s a big difference between 5 and 10 pounds, and one isn’t any better then the other. But you do need to know what it is you’re shooting for. This has everything to do with your motivation. If your goal is to lose 10 pounds and you’re lost 5 so far, you can think to yourself ‘I’m half way there’. If you don’t have a specific amount you have nothing to shoot for.


Goals need to be realistic. Now no one loves watching “the Biggest Loser’ more then my wife and I. It’s one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever seen. But there is NO WAY that any of us in the real world can accomplish what they do. That’s not to say we can’t do it – we just can’t in the time frame that they do. I never want to believe anything is out of reach, but I do believe theres a time and a place for everything (with a heavy emphasis on the time).


Lastly, goals need to be flexible. Life happens. (Actually I think its another word that’s supposed to be there – but this is a PG blog). You need to know that life gets in the way. A bone could break, a muscle could get pulled. A family member could get sick. A job could have longer hours at times. These are things you can’t change, and sometimes your goals need to change with them.

It's a Whole New Year

Think for a moment to this year’s resolutions. Were any of them health-related? I hope so. And that’s a good thing. There’s nothing more important then our health. Whether it’s: making the old jeans fit or joining a gym and actually going. So you’ve got the first hurdle out of the way; And it’s not just a good thing, it’s a great thing! Because believe it or not, the first step is making the conscious decision to get started. So congratulations, yay for you! Give your self a high five!

But, let’s be honest. Are you still on pace? Probably not. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many of us have trouble keeping our resolutions. And it’s usually not our fault. So don’t beat yourself up (unless you take contact sport like karate).

In the next few posts I’ll try to simplify some of the things to help make those resolutions stick .See you soon.