Setting Goals Is Not As Simple As You Think

I have been lucky enough to have been able to practice in this industry for about 7 years now. I have seen a few things that have produced amazing results time and time again like BioSignature, functional medicine, Paleolithic eating patterns, Trigenics, ART practices and many more. However the one thing that has stuck out the most is the need for effective goal setting.

Now, before you start thinking this is all wanky, hear me out. Learning how to set goals properly has raised my income and my company’s worth and revenue to heights I never thought of. It all started with a few points that I will give you here. For trainers and clients alike, learning this stuff see’s you to bigger and better gains in all areas of your training. Here are my top 3 tips for effective goal setting.

Always tie your goals to an emotion

This is number one for a reason. If you look at a used car salesmen, they always sell a car on how it feels, looks and what you are going to appear to others while you drive it. People aren't going to give a shit about how much you paid for it but they will care if you look cooler then them.

The same goes for getting into shape, getting strong or increasing your level of fitness. You need to think about how sexy you are going to look and FEEL in that dress or how confident and awesome you are going to look and FEEL while walking to the beach with your shirt off. These (yes!) are appearances based but also have a lot to do with confidence. If you feel good about something... you will do it. Right? Right!

Take Home Point- Think about how you are going to feel in the dress, shirt, at the beach, on stage in front of hundreds and people and think about the rush that goes with it. I promise you, it is all worth it!

Deadlines, Deadlines, DEADLINES!!!

Ok, simple but important. If you don’t have an end date, you gots nothing! The reason why bodybuilders, elite athletes and other sportsmen and women do so well in the goal setting department is because they have an end date. They have a time and place where they need to be at and also have to be in the best physical and mental condition. Women who come and see me for wedding preparations kick serious ass because they think about the dress they are going to be in and also the date of the ceremony. 

The athletes we train have a specific date in mind and we work backwards from that date. We work out what we need to do and how long it will take us. In the exercise science world it is called periodization and is a CRUCIAL part of getting an athlete to become strong and successful. The planning is just as important as the stuff you do. 

Take Home Point- Give yourself a deadline and make sure that you stick to it. How  much of a douche bag would you feel if you bust your gut to get in shape just to give up at the end? Try using I statements in your goal setting for example : “I WILL hit my ideal body fat percentage by 30th June 2012”

Who is keeping you accountable?

This one is a biggy for everyone. Out of the thousands of people I have met in this industry, I could tell you how many people who could perform amazing training programs and get in the best shape and physical conditioning of their lives as there are fingers on my hands. Not many if any! Being gifted with amazing mental toughness is something that is as rare as hen’s teeth. It does exist and is amazing when you get to see it.

The best way to make sure you achieve your goals is make sure you have someone along for the ride either doing with you or training you. Human nature dictates that you will never let someone else down but you will let down yourself. You don't have the balls to let down your buddy by not heading into the gym to work out but you would stay in bed for an early morning squat session by yourself. .admit it!

I am lucky to have a few great training partners who know that we ARE NOT friends while we train and they are to treat me as such. They are some of the strongest and leanest people I know and they are a walking testimonial to their determination (partly because I am their coach also!). Find people you trust to never you down and promise them you will do the same. 

Take Home Point- Find someone who will keep you on the straight and narrow. Personally, I have found that paying someone you look up to be this person is far better then your best friend. If you are paying for a service you are more likely to stick to it and follow through on what you have promised. If you don’t, you will be both out of pocket while still looking and feeling shit-house. Get your act together, find a stellar coach with a great track record and make it happen.