GOAL SETTING FOR CROSSFIT AND LIFE

A few days ago we published a blog post about Mental Toughness and briefly mentioned the Five Pillars of Mental Toughness known as:

• Goal Setting
• Visualization
• Self Talk
• Arousal Control
• Self Confidence

This post will focus on the first pillar of goal setting and it’s importance in mental toughness. If you have read our other blog posts you would have noticed that we mention goal setting often, the reason for this is your goal is the foundation of your training and without it you are wandering aimlessly getting nowhere. By creating a goal and having it as a constant reminder you now have something to focus on when challenges arise, when things get tough and laziness tries to kick in. Focusing on the goal will motivate and remind you why you started in the first place and help you realise that any challenge you encounter is simply a small detour on your path to success. Your goal also acts as an intrinsic motivator when you don’t have a support network around you, for example you may have to train by yourself while away for work or you best friend doesn’t turn up to class because they are sick. Having this motivation will keep you driven towards your goal and not worry about the situation you are in, only how can you take the next step towards achieving your goal.

There are a number of ways to set your goals and the most popular method is S.M.A.R.T. goal setting. Below are some tips for successful goal setting and achievement from CrossFit Invictus:

1. Identify what your values are. This is important because you need to make sure your goal is in line with your values. Identify your core priorities and make sure your goal doesn’t detract from your overall values. Instead, your goal should support your values and work in harmony with them.
2. Identify what it is that your really want. Be very specific; don’t leave any room for questioning later down the road. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve, you know where you have to concentrate your efforts. Once you identify what it is that you really want (this can be a challenge within itself), then set your goal.
3. Write your goal down and share it with a loved one. Make your goal visible so that you can have daily reminders to stay focused. This is very helpful because when you don’t write a goal down, it tends to become obtuse. The goal suddenly shifts depending on your circumstances at the time, gets pushed to the side if it is inconvenient and can change from its original purpose. If your goal is written down and shared with someone then you can be held accountable for your goal. Your goal now becomes real and not just an idea that never comes to fruition.
4. Be precise when setting your goal. Give your goal a deadline and give your goal dates, amounts, times, etc. so that you can measure your progress.
5. Identify how you are going to accomplish your goal. This is important. Anyone can set a goal but not everyone can accomplish a goal.  You must identify how you are going to reach your goal. Are you not drinking alcohol for the next 30 days? Then write out how you will stay on track for those 30 days (don’t go to certain restaurants where it is tempting to drink, prepare a polite reply to decline alcohol when it is offered, etc.) Anticipate any roadblocks that may come along and find ways to overcome those roadblocks.
6. Build a support group. It is crucial to have support when you are trying to achieve something that takes perseverance, dedication and determination. Your support group should be made up of people who have your best interest at heart. They can help motivate you and provide encouragement along your journey to success. They also provide needed accountability. Identify those who detract from your stated goal and try to eliminate their influence as much as possible.

If you are a long term planner lululemon also have a fantastic video about vision and goals you can watch here.

At Arison CrossFit we don’t leave this entirely up to you, we guide you from the very beginning and throughout your life helping you to successfully achieve your goals and create new ones. We have specifically developed goal setting materials to help you and as always we can be contacted via email, facebook or phone if you have any questions.