How to Set and Achieve Meaningful Goals.

How to Set and Achieve Meaningful Goals.

“No matter how good you are, I’ll expect you to wring everything you’ve got, trying to still be better. And when you’ve worn yourself out to reach a goal, I’ll expect you to start for another.” —Atlas Shrugged

 

The new year is right around the corner, the time when most people set their big goals for the upcoming year.

Most people don't have trouble setting meaningful, achievable goals. Most people simply aren't willing to accept the sacrifices and lifestyle changes it takes to achieve them.

Here are our recommendations for setting and achieving your goals: 

1. Set big, specific goals, and write them down.

  • Set goals that you can track, and make sure they're going to challenge you. Too many people go for "attainable" goals, and end up selling themselves short of what they're actually capable of. Other times, they leave their goals wide open and not nearly specific enough.
  • Be realistic, but step out of your comfort zone. Don't write the goal of being an NBA center if you're 5'11.. you get the point.
  • Write down these goals and keep them handy during your morning routine. Bonus: Read "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill, where he outlines time proven methods of goal setting that have been used by some of the most successful people of all time.
  • Bad goal: "This year, I want to eat healthier and lose some weight"
  • Good goal: "This year, I am going to lose 20 pounds before August by tracking my calories and doing 15 extra minutes of cardio every day". 

2. Find an accountability partner - who will actually hold you accountable. 

  • Find someone - a spouse, family member or friend, who will hold you accountable to your goals. Do weekly check-ups at a minimum to help you stay on track, talk about things you're struggling with and celebrate your wins.
  • Most people aren't willing to do this step.. and most people don't even get close to their goals. Don't be like most people.
  • We all struggle at one point or another, and it's OK to fail. Read the below step on how to deal with it.

3. When you get off track, shake it off and get back on track.

  • Many people will get off track for a week, a month, or longer, and feel like they're too far gone. This is a HUGE mistake!
  • The best time to start was yesterday, and the next best time to start is today. Everyone gets discouraged and gets off track, you just need to count your losses and get back on track as soon as you can.
  • Don't wait until the New year to start or get back on track, and don't try to "make up for lost time" by accelerating and burning yourself out. Craft a plan and stick to it - in time, you'll get there.

4. Stay in one direction. 

  • One of the most common mistakes people make, especially in the fitness world, is flipping between goals every month or two.
  • If you have a a goal to drop 10 pounds, stay on track with that goal until you meet it. A lot of the time, people drop 4-5 pounds and then decide that they want to gain strength, and so the cycle continues of little to no growth.
  • Decide what you want and why you want it, and don't change goals until you get there. Whenever your mind tells you to change direction (it will), go back to your why.

5. Set yourself up for success.

  • This one is simple. If you want to cut sweets from your diet, don't keep them in the house. The same goes for alcohol, sodas, whatever it is you'd like to change.
  • Hang out with people who will push you in the right direction. We all have friends on both sides - some that are supportive and growth-minded, and others who aren't. Find the crowd that's going to help shape you into the best version of you and get around them often.

 

Studies have shown that those who have goals written down are much more likely to succeed than those who aren't. Our time to accomplish the biggest goals in our lives are not infinite, and it's important that you treat them with urgency.

Set some big, meaningful goals and don't stop until you meet them. There will be failures and successes, but always stay grounded and on the path to success.

Lift is about the pursuit of becoming the best version of you, and it starts here and now.

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