Goal setting can increase motivation and help you stick with a program no matter what you want to accomplish. Individuals with goals typically give more effort and persist longer in the face of obstacles than do people without goals. Having goals helps give you a sense of purpose when performing tasks. Having goals can lead to a sense of accomplishment when you see gradual improvements along the way.
Specific Goals
When using goal setting it is important to set specific and measurable goals. Many times people tend to set goals in a general statement such as "I want to lose weight" or "I want to get in shape." These types of goals are to general and lack any measurable aspect. Specific goals can be evaluated to determine whether or not they have been obtained. General goals are harder to evaluate and are not as effective. Instead of saying I want to get in shape, you should set a specific goal like "I want to run a mile a day, four days a week for one month." This will give you something to measure and you can track your progress instead of just getting into shape.
Realistic Goals
Another thing to remember when setting goals is to make them challenging, but also realistic enough to achieve. If you set your goals to high to a point where they are seldom met, it can lead to frustration and a sense of disappointment or failure. It always helps to start a little bit on the easy side. Once you have attained certain goals along the way, then you can start to make them more challenging as you progress.
Set a Time Frame
When most people set goals they simply state a long term goal they are attempting to reach. Although long term goals are important and necessary, they shouldn't be your only goal. By using short term daily or weekly goals you can track progress and increase motivation to continue working towards your long term final goal.
Write Down Your Goals
Goal setting is a valuable technique that you can use in order to be successful in what you are trying to do. One thing that helps when setting goals is to write them down. By writing your goals down, you have established a contract with yourself in order to achieve your goals. By having those goals written down and periodically referring back to them, it will help you stay motivated. Another technique you can use is telling other people. The more people that know about your goals, the more support you will have to help you reach them.
References
- Mahar, M. (2008). Fitness For Life.
- Weinberg, R,S. (2003). Foundations of Sport & Exercise Psychology.
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