Goal setting can give your motivation a boost. However, not all goals will set you up for success. Here are a few tips to help you set effective goals and get the results you want.

Make Your Goal Specific

Goals like “get in shape” or “lose weight” or “increase my energy” are common and worthy aspirations. But how will you know when you’re “in shape”? How will “lose weight” or “increased energy” look?

Vague goals lead to vague results. However, the more specific you can make your goals, the greater your chance for success. You can make your goals more specific by attaching a number or deadline to your goal. For example, “I will lose 5 pounds by ________.” Or, “I will finish my first half marathon before I turn 40.”

Make Your Goal Realistic

Goals should challenge you, but you also don’t want to set yourself up for failure or disappointment by reaching for something that is beyond your grasp. A realistic goal is one that will push you, but it’s not impossible.

So how do you know what is just beyond your reach? What would be challenging, but realistic? Take some time and think about some goals you have achieved in the past. Your past goal history will give you some ideas on what could be attainable.

Make Your Goal Process-Oriented

Goals may appear to be all about an outcome. However, if you focus too much on a result, you might lose sight of the small steps that need to take place to realize a result.

Your first step is to set a goal (that’s both specific and realistic). Your next step is to shift your focus to “how.” How will you reach the outcome? Outline all the necessary steps and come up with an individual plan for your success.

Be Invested In Your Goal

Connect a “why” to your goal. Determine the purpose of the goal you want to achieve and make sure that your intention for achieving this future goal is your own. If the intention behind your goals isn’t clear, the whole process may start to feel meaningless, and your motivation may dwindle.

At FPM our goal is to help you achieve your greatness and future proof your life. If you’re looking for some guidance in your goal-setting process, we can help! Request a consultation today, so we can discuss your fitness goals together and find the balance that you need to succeed.