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So I haven’t posted anything in quite a few weeks. I guess I felt why post when the entire reason I began writing a blog, was to try inspire people who struggled with their weight as I did/do. I was also in-between jobs, I am doing my masters by night and I moved houses. Its been a bit insane. Anyhow I am back now, and today’s post is around setting goals.
I have began setting my own personal goals recently, trying to decide what takes priority in my life, as I mentioned already, my schedule has been fairly full, and I have lost focus on the important things. Work is always important to me but for now my masters is playing a huge role in my life, with my evenings and weekends solely focused on getting assignments done, leaving eating healthy and exercising regularly at the door, with a glass of wine becoming my new best friend.
This morning I was at a class that I go to twice a week and I was telling the two trainers Josie and Kate about how I am so frustrated because the last two weeks I have been stress eating, and not getting out for my runs as much as I would like to. They told me not to beat myself up and to set small goals, for eg Drink 2 litres of water today. I am terrible for getting caught up and bothered with myself if I fail at something once I put my mind to it, and I generally let go and mess the entire thing up, but now I am motivated. I always use SMART when it comes to setting goals and targets, and then I break them up into short, medium and long term goals. I am sure many of you know about or use SMART, but for those of you that don’t SMART means Specific, Measurable, Achievable/Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
Specific: What is your specific goal?
Measurable: how you measure your goal, to ensure it is being achieved
Achievable/Attainable: Is the goal achievable/ can you do it and what steps must be taken to achieve this goal.
Realistic: Is this goal a realistic one? Can you really achieve it?
Timely: What is the deadline for your specific goal?
Then break these up into short, medium and long term.
So for me its the following:
SMART |
Short Term |
Medium Term |
Long Term |
Specific |
Drink 2L of water per day | Lose 14llbs | Run a marathon |
Measurable |
Use a pint glass/ 2L bottle to ensure its being drank | Weigh once a week, but don’t get too caught up on it as some weeks may not be as easy as others | Come up with a 6 month training plan, and take part in a number of races in between. |
Achievable |
Very Achievable | Yes, once I carefully watch what I eat and get out exercising regularly | Yes, learn from past mistakes & give enough time to get back into distance running, taking the correct rest breaks & not allowing more than 2 days go without a run |
Realistic |
Very Realistic | Yes, once it is not rushed or done too fast | Yes, if training is carried out correctly and a strict plan is followed. Start with short runs over next week and begin distance running in January again. |
Timely |
Sunday (have drank 2L of water each day) | On average 2llbs lost per week, but also looking to build muscle so aim for 7 weeks time | Cork City 2017 marathon in June. Once med goal is achieved, motivation should be higher and it should be easier to get out running long distance. |
Why not come up with your own goals, feel free to share them with us over Facebook, or via email: [email protected]
