For many of us, the holiday season is in the rear view mirror and this is the time we begin to reflect on the last year of our life. We think about what went well and things we would like to change. It’s natural as we close another chapter. Looking ahead to someting new and hopefully even better.
Are you making health and fitness a new years resolution this year? It’s pretty easy for runners to begin thinking about a shiny new PR or two they would like to take down. My favorite results involve attainable goals that focus on the behavior verse the outcome.
Unfortunately, 92% of those who set resoultions fail at reaching them. With many failing before February. So, what do the 8% that do reach their goals do differently?
- Choose a specific goal- put a number on it. Being more specific will give you a metric to gauge success. Instead of saying, I want to be more fit. Try I will increas my weekly mileage by 10% or I will add in stregnth training 2x per week.
- Don’t change everything at once- focus on 1-2 attainable goals and really build a habit of change. Trying to focus on too much and overhaul your entire life will come crumbling down. When you set your resolution you are really being intentional about life changes. This can be overwhelming.
- Plan for set backs-There will be set backs. Have a goal that allows you to assess, reassess and pivot. Your human and life will happen. Have a plan that will help you stay on track.
- Take time to plan for success- what does success look like and how will you reach it? What systems are in place to support your goals. If your goal includes a new training component, a new distance or chasing a PR how will you get their? Go out and find a training plan or resources to put into place. Utilize a running coach that can both help you plan for sucess and help you through set backs.
- Start with small steps- Going from zero to sixty is a sure way to fall and not get back up. If you are currently running 2-3 times a day, then start with getting consistent with 3 days of running and add in a 4th once you have established a pattern of sucess. If you manage that then build to a 5th day if you would like. If you are looking to add strength training start with a small block of time that won’t make it feel overwhelming to add to your already busy schedule. Having success will fuel you to continue working and building on your goals.
- Have a support system- Have a running buddy, accountability person to keep you on track and support you and even partner with you through your journey. This is another way a coach can really help. Someone to check in and nudge you along the way.
- Put a bit of money down- make a financial commitment to your goal. This can be signing up for a race or booking that travel package. Invest in yourself by working with someone that will give you the tools to help you reach your goal; a dietician, physical therapist, strength trainer or run coach. It’s about giving yourself that additional inventive to work toward and achieve the goal as you have put your hard earned money into it. Increasing its significance.
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