Goal setting (SMART goals)
Goal setting is probably one of the most effective tools for someone who is looking to achieve, whether that be in a sporting environment or an everyday agenda. It is a very important tool for a personal trainer as it helps the client to feel achievement and measure their progress which can be very easy to miss or deny when they are having a tough time in the gym, and they have a negative mindset. The most universal way of setting realistic goals is to use the S.M.A.R.T (SMART goals) method which is explained below:
Specific – Ensure that you are very clear about what you want to achieve. Make sure that your goals are not too big to start with, perhaps set a small, medium and long-term goal, breaking the long-term goals down to more manageable steps to ensure achievement.
For example: A Long-term goal could be to lift 300kg or lose 3 stone, now these challenges will take some time to achieve so to break it down, a Medium-term goal could be to lift 250kg or lose 1.5 stones, with a short-term goal being to lift 200kg or lose 1 stone.
Measurable – How will you know that you have achieved your goals? Ensure that the goals that you set can be measured.
Both examples used above are easily measurable, you known that you have lifted a certain weight or lost a certain amount of weight.
Achievable – Ensure that your goals are broken done sufficiently, that they are achievable. If you require more than three steps, this is fine. The most important thing is that you are achieving, and moving forwards, evening if this is a broken down and slow progress, EVERY LITTLE STEP counts, and it is important that you celebrate success in each stage. If you have a setback, and don’t achieve then you simply need to go back to the start, and think, what could I do differently to achieve this goal, do I need to break it down further, do I need to slightly change the route that I am taking.
Realistic – Is this goal achievable at this moment in time? What problems may I encounter and how can I negate these issues i.e. Support from friends and family. Do you have the resources to complete each of the goals, if not, can you source them?
Time Limited – Set a reasonable time scale and limit for each of your goals, i.e. 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year or even 3-4 years for athletes.
So, what are you waiting for… get those goals set and start achieving today!
If you need any help in setting or achieving these goals get in touch at james@jcperformancecoaching.co.uk or fill out the form on the website.