January Goals

So, what kinds of things do you want to accomplish this month??

I have several overall goals I'm working on in my life, but as far as my overall goal for fitness, I am committed to compete in the NPC Midnight Sun Figure Championship in Anchorage on August 20th 2011. (EDIT: ONLY 8 months out! )

With that major fitness goal in mind, I have several objectives/tasks (mini goals) by January 31 that I plan to accomplish:

• Reduce my waist size down by 1/4 inch, my hips 1 inch, and my thighs 1/2 inch
• Begin 1 Arm Push up training, 0 - 1 GOOD repetition by Jan 31 (TOUGH)
• Increase unassisted pull ups from 3 to 5 reps
• Perform plyo-metric lunges for 30 seconds non stop

Now, I may miss the mark, but this is what I'm shooting for. Notice these all have numbers associated with them as well as a dead line and follow the SMART guidelines for goal setting: Specific, Measurable, Attainable & Realistic and Timely. This practice really helps me stay on track; nothing like seeing progress to keep you motivated!

If you haven't already written down a few goals this month, give it a try; you have nothing to lose but SO MUCH TO GAIN! You know you can count me as one of your cheer leaders!!

Knowing the Outcome

Beginning with the End in mind is one of the keys to getting the results we want. Have you asked yourself what do you want? Have you given it some serious consideration and written down your goals? And with the goals you have, WHY do you want to reach them? Are the reasons driving you into action?

Many people, while having good intentions, aren't focused enough and don't clarify the things they wish to accomplish. Simply saying, "I want more money," is too vague. Also, people tend not to have strong enough reasons as to why they even want achieve some of the goals that sound good to them. Naturally, many people end up losing sight of their goals only after a short while.

I'm in the process of creating a VISION BOARD that my Cathy Savage Fitness coaches instructed us to do (actually 2, one for home and one for work on the North Slope in my room); having your own VISIONS is CRITICAL to getting what you want. The board will be a continual reminder of what outcomes I'm shooting for, and it will bring my goals to surface daily keeping them on the forefront.

Like most goal oriented folks, I am constantly looking forward and endeavor to improve not only my fitness levels but other areas in my life (career, family, financial, community, spiritual, etc). In an upcoming post, I'll share my January goals, mostly for me to keep on track!

I may miss my mark at times and become frustrated, but I remember the words of Winston Churchill, "Never, never, never give up."