Does setting fitness goals improve chances of success?

Chris: What are your thoughts on goal setting? I’ve just finished a book on the subject and was wondering how important it is to your programs. Do you make your clients set goals? If so, what advice do you give them on how to do so? - Jim

Jim: I firmly believe you can increase your chances of success by 80 percent by simply taking time to make and write down your goals. However, goals are not just words; they have to be part of a larger system designed to succeed. Here are some things I’ve found to be true when writing goals for fitness programs.

Goals must be specific
If you want to accomplish a goal you must know exactly what it is you are trying to do. Once you’ve made your decision, you can get to work creating a plan for success.

Goals must be attainable
It’s important not to bite off more than you can chew when setting a goal. Pick something that can be done in a reasonable amount of time. You can always go back and set bigger goals later once you’ve accomplished what you originally set out to do. You might be surprised at where you end up.

Mini goals lead to greater accomplishments
It wouldn’t make sense for a person who is 200 pounds overweight to say they’re going to run a marathon in a month’s time, because it’s not going to happen. Instead, they should make a series of small goals that lead to greater accomplishments such as losing 25 pounds or being able to walk a mile without stopping. After a few smaller goals are realized, things that were once thought to be impossible may now be in sight.

Goals must be recorded
Whenever I meet with a new client, one of the first things I have them do is make a list of things they want to accomplish. Making the commitment to write these personal thoughts on paper automatically makes a dream a possibility and helps to give the program a purpose and measuring stick for future reference. It’s also a great idea to post goals somewhere they can be seen every day to remind you of your dreams and keep you focused on what you are trying to accomplish.

My favorite story of successful goal setting is about a young Austrian boy who once said, “I want to have the greatest body in the world, win the Mr. Olympia Contest, go to America and be an actor.” You may have heard of him; his name is Arnold Schwarzenegger.