“If you want to accomplish the goals of your life, you have to begin with the spirit” – Oprah
I’ll be honest, I might have started this post with Oprah because I was browsing through her yearly Favorite Things List but she really captures the why behind goal setting! If you aren’t an Oprah fan here’s one from Muhammad Ali, “what keeps me going is goals.” He and Oprah are saying the same thing: goals start with real passion! With the New Year swinging around soon with its relentless promises to get fit quick, eat better and be super organized in 2018 it’s all too tempting to fall into the trap of creating hollow, unachievable goals.
So, as you read this, I challenge you to push that hollow goal that’s buzzing around in your head to the side and consider what it might look like to create a real goal with spirit, something with the power to keep you going.
Goal setting is a regular practice of top-performers in many fields. Athletes like Michael Phelps and Serena Williams make it a part of their mindfulness routines, as do entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Richard Branson. And even if you aren’t inventing driverless cars or winning the Olympics, research shows that by setting a specific goal you are more likely to achieve it.
No matter where you are in the Crossfit experience, from seasoned pro to fresh out of Fundamentals, goals should shape your time in the gym. As the year changes, now is a great time to look ahead and define your goals for 2018.
What will drive you on those down days? What will push you to perform that last rep when you don’t think you can move another inch?
First, consider what you want and then commit to it. Don’t take it on lightly; make it mean something to you. Then, set specifics that will motivate you and make you feel that your goal is tangible. A good goal is S.M.A.R.T. (specific, measureable, attainable, relevant and time-bound).
I’ll share my S.M.A.R.T. goal with you as an example. My S.M.A.R.T. goal is to run a marathon this year. Specific: one race. Measurable: 26.2 miles. Attainable: yes, with training. Relevant: it will help my endurance training and I find running therapeutic. Time-bound: within a year.
Having clearly stated a S.M.A.R.T. goal is one step towards living your best life. It also helps your coach answer your questions about a workout. Knowing an athlete’s goal is one of the most powerful tools have in the classroom. With a goal I can better motivate, modify and acknowledge and athlete’s achievements.
I invite you to take 20 minutes and brainstorm a S.M.A.R.T. goal for your fitness in 2018. Start with lots of those buzzing, hollow goals and then zero in on what the real spirit is behind them. Once you’ve located the big goal write out its S.M.A.R.T. features: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound. Post your goal somewhere visible, like a bathroom vanity mirror, or on your desktop so you can be remain motivated on a daily basis.
In the spirit of goal setting Swamp Rabbit Crossfit will be hosting a free Goal Workshop for the community on January 5th . Come prepared to learn about goals, craft them and share. -Megan Baxter