The diet and exercise roller coaster ride in life can be frustrating and exhausting, leaving you feeling defeated time and again. Now, while failure is a healthy part of learning and growing as individuals, success is also an important (and healthy) part of our growth. How do we achieve this with our health and fitness goals?
Now from a broad outside perspective, a lot of individuals that ask for my advice or assistance are either stuck in a plateau phase, not really sure where to begin phase, or sometimes in the “I want to have a muscular hot bod without having to change my diet and not having to exercise too much” phase. The last one is the only one I don’t typically take on as clients. This is because they are in the wrong mindset. People in this mindset are not ready to commit to change. So I tell them honestly what they need to do, and I say, “when you are ready to make the change to better yourself, contact me, and I will give you the tools to be successful”. I don’t believe in “Get Fit Quick” Schemes, or Miracle Shakes or Pills, or Body Wraps or “Detox Diets”. I believe in balance. I believe in fueling your body with the right foods so you can enjoy that occasional slice of pizza or ice cream cone without feeling like dog shit. I believe in reasonable exercise, and getting enough sleep at night. Hydrating and nourishing the body, loving and respecting yourself. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and really learning about yourself. There is a famous quote floating around that says, “If you want something you have never had, you have to do something you have never done”.
For my clients that come to me and are ready and are committed to their goals and just want help getting there, I do my best to assist in each situation to make it as easy as possible. Change is tough! And we are creatures of habit. I start with something I learned in my earliest years at school for personal training back in 2010. I start with S.M.A.R.T. Goals.
S- Specific M- Measurable A- Attainable R-Realistic T-Timely Goals
By setting S.M.A.R.T. Goals, I know my clients are choosing goals within reach. Think of it as stepping stones or climbing a ladder or staircase… You have to take one step at a time. So we set S.M.A.R.T. Goals, and work to achieve them, and once we do, we set some more… And before you know it the client is exactly where they want to be and feeling positive and motivated and hungry for more!
So I want to end this entry by asking you what your goals are? Are they S.M.A.R.T. Goals? If not… Maybe take a step back and re-analyze them. Prioritize and figure out how to make them work for you.
I hope everyone has a great day!