Now that we are well past the New Year, and the shiny-newness of 2022 is worn off, it is a good time to re-evaluate where you are going with your goals this year. Did you set resolutions or plans for the year that are already long-forgotten? Or are you on fire getting plans in motion? As all the chaos of the holidays, and even the pandemic, is simmering down, this is a great time to take stock of where you are where you want to be.
When I work with my health coaching clients on owning their wellness, we look at many factors:
What is their main goal or objective?
Why do they want to achieve it?
What will it feel like when they emerge from this process and realize this new version of themselves?
How will they get there?
Notice that the "how" is the last thing- not first! That is because if you don't know what you want to do, why you want to do it, and visualize what it will feel like when you get it, then nothing you do will help you get there. For example: If you don't know what your goal weight is, why you want to lose the weight, and how amazing it will feel to achieve that, no diet program in the world is going to get you there.
If there were goals you set for yourself early this year, that you are struggling with achieving, I encourage you to read on. Keep that specific goal in mind as I walk you through the process below.
What is your main goal? Whether it be getting tone, sleeping better, or climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, it's important that you are clear on the goal. What exactly do you want to accomplish? Do you want to see definition in your triceps? Do you want to get 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep? Do you want to be able to run 2 miles without walking at least once a week? Be precise with the goal. This will help you set benchmarks and stay on target. Don't just say you want to "get fit." You need to define exactly what that means for you!
Why? This is by far the MOST important part. Figuring out WHY you want to get 7 hours of sleep will help you stay consistent. If that extra sleep means you'll be in a better mood getting the kids ready for school the next morning, and be able to handle a tough work schedule, then you know it is worthwhile. Where a lot of people get in trouble with goal setting- and achieving- is they don't have a good WHY! If getting more toned arms means you'll feel amazing in a sleeveless dress you need to wear for a wedding, then you'll probably be more willing to show up for that barre class week after week.
Later on, when you stumble or struggle to keep going along the path you've set, come back to your why. Sometimes, it helps to put visual reminders up to keep you thinking about how important reaching the goal is. It could be a picture of yourself smiling and happy, or an outfit that you're dreaming about wearing. Once, when I was recovering from a serious ankle break, I bought a pair of killer platform shoes and put them on display in my bedroom. Those things kept me going on my physical therapy because I just couldn't wait to strut in those puppies and feel like a million bucks. That may sound silly or frivolous, but it worked for me!
How will you feel? This is the fun part. Take a moment in the morning, before you even get out of bed. With your eyes closed start to envision what you will feel when you accomplish that goal? How light will you feel on your feet as you cruise into that last half mile of your run? Will the breeze on your face make you smile? Will you be singing along to your favorite running tune? How will you feel when you see the reading on your fitness tracker? Think about how good it will feel to stretch afterward. How great will that shower be after you have had such a good run? Get detailed with all the feelings, sensations, and emotions that you might have as you realize that goal. You can learn a little more about this strategy of visualization in this blog.
How will you do it? I know, it seems crazy to put the planning in last, but trust me, it works! Now you know exactly what you want to do, why you want to do it, and how amazing it will feel to accomplish it. Planning out how to get there is so much easier when it seems inevitable you'll reach that goal. Maybe you will think about breaking down your progress into baby steps week-by-week or even day-by-day. You might find it helpful to do a little research on training programs and progressions. Or you might need to look into finding someone to help you. I just love it when clients come to me with a goal already set, they know exactly why they want it, and how important it is to them. These clients are willing to do what it takes to get there. Boy, it sure makes my job easy too! All I have to do is show them a clear path to realize that goal.
I have used this formula year after year with clients and have seen so many finally realize their dreams. I hope you will take some time and work through this process on your own. I would love to hear how it worked for you, or if you had any challenges with the process. And of course, if you need help along the way, you know where to find me.
Yours in health,
Daniella