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Article Series: Motivation
What Will It Take To Motivate Me?
Find
Motivation To Stick To An Exercise Program
Exercise is hard enough without all the temptations
of life. Sticking to an exercise program requires motivation
and persistence. Often times we find excuses to not work out
or eat right. A busy schedule, illness, work, tiredness and
lack of equipment are just a few of the most commonly thought
of excuses. But what is the answer to staying motivated to
reach goals? Some swear by the S.M.A.R.T. system. The S.M.A.R.T
system works because it is simple and gives you some structure
with your plan. It is effective for both short and long term
goals and works with any diet and exercise program.
What does the S.M.A.R.T system consist of? This is an overview
of the system and how it can work to motivate you to stick
with the goals that you have set for yourself. Remember that
goal setting and the S.M.A.R.T. system are only as strong and
useful as the person doing it. You must have the “want-to”
to achieve any goal. The S.M.A.R.T system only works when you
work it! Use the system to motivate you to stick with your
goals and you will find yourself with more confidence and a
better body!
“Gimme an S”
1. Specific Goals. Goals are an excellent way to stay motivated.
Research has shown that setting both short and long term goals
is the most motivating thing that you can do for yourself.
An example of a good goal is to run one mile without stopping.
An example of a less effective goal is simply “to run more.”
“Gimme an M”
2. Measurable Goals.
It is easy to say that you want to run more. It is imperative
that you are able to measure the amount of progress that you
are making. You should be able to chart the amount of time
that you spend working towards your goal and also to be able
to see the improvement.
“Gimme an A”
3. Adjust. You need to make goals that are attainable. There
will be times when you will not be able to meet these goals
and you should be able to be flexible with your goals. This
will give you the feeling of accomplishment and motivate you
to keep trying. You should be able to change your goal so that
it is still a challenge, but one that you can physically do.
For example, if your goal is to compete in a triathlon in October
and you break your ankle, you may not be able to reach this
goal. However, if your goals are flexible, you will be able
to change it to a different time in which you are able to achieve
the goal.
“Gimme an R”
4. Realistic Goals. It is important to be realistic in your
goal setting. You shouldn’t set a goal of running five miles
in the first month if you have not been exercising in the past.
Start small. Obtaining smaller goals will help to build confidence
and morale in order to meet more challenging goals. You can
always add more goals as you reach those that are already set.
You should be careful though not to set goals which will not
give you satisfaction. If your goal is to lose one pound a
month, then you might not have to work as hard and thus might
not get as great of a pleasure from achieving that goal.
“Gimme a T”
5. Time Based Goals.
If your goals are not time based, then there is a chance that
you may become bored with the goal. It is important to set
a goal that you can measure not only in speed or distance but
in time. For example, it is a good idea to set a weekly goal
to run one mile in 45 minutes. For the next week it might be
30 minutes. Be sure to push yourself each week to meet these
goals.
Setting goals is one of the best ways possible to stay motivated
throughout any kind of weight loss or training plan. Using
the S.M.A.R.T system you can achieve your goals of fitness
and become the person that you want to be!
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SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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