Mastering Fitness: Goal Setting Theory & Motivation for Success

Hey, all fitness people! Did you ever feel like your routine is too jumbled and has no clear sense of direction? Don’t feel down-if that’s what you feel, you aren’t alone! A lot of us take up fitness with so much fervor, but then we often feel lost along the way. That’s where goal-setting theory and a dash of motivation come to your rescue! So, come with me and let’s explore the beautiful world of setting up your goals for your fitness journey with mastering fitness goal setting theory & motivation for success while keeping the fire going in your motivation!

What is Goal-Setting Theory?

So, you may be thinking, “What’s goal-setting theory, then?” Put very simply, it is setting goals that would direct your actions and set your focus. Just think of it like planning a road trip; you wouldn’t just get in your car and start driving around aimlessly, would you? Well, it is kind of like that with fitness goals. It gives you direction in life and something specific to reach for.

Why Set Goals?

Clarity: Goals clarify what it is that we want to achieve. Are we trying to keep a specific weight? A certain number of push-ups? Or maybe running a good 5K? When you put that rendering out there, it is easier to plan how your workout is going to look and track your progress.
Motivation: Some days, let’s face it, we all struggle to hit the gym! But with a goal in mind, that might just rekindle the fire! All of a sudden, knowing that you are working towards something turns that exercise into a completely different experience, going from duty to empowerment.
Measure your progress: Goals give you something to measure against. It’s not only the inches that matter; it can be heavier weights, feeling more energized, or going for that elusive flexibility you’re working on.

The Types of Goals

As in the context of mastering fitness goal setting theory & motivation for success, two types tend to be the most talked about: outcome goals and performance goals. There are some nuances here:

Outcome Goals: Lambda. Eg. “I want to lose 10 pounds” or “I want to be able to run a marathon.” They may be motivating, but, sometimes, they can also seem quite intimidating if they are too far out there.
Performance Goals: These are goals concerning a person’s improvement in skills and abilities rather than the actual performance. Eg. “I want to swim 500 meters without stopping” or “I want to be able to squat 150 pounds.” They are great simply because they grant more control over the final performance.

The Introduction of Goals to the SMART Definition

In this section, we are going to attempt to get more effective. Here we are talking about the SMART aspects of a goal.

Specific: Instead of saying, “I want to be fit,” get more specific by saying, “I want to lift weights three times a week.”
Measurable: This helps you keep track of the progress you are making with the exercise. For example, to say, “I want to run 5K in under 30 minutes” makes it pretty easy to see how or if you are progressing toward that point.
Achievable: Make the goal a little challenging but still within reach. For example, you might set a goal of running a marathon next month, but it’s a bit too much to do if you haven’t ever run before. Make Small Goals!
Relevant: Stay on target with big-picture goals about fitness. If weights are your thing, don’t try to set a goal around yoga.
Time-bound: Put a time on yourself. Don’t just say, “I want to lose weight.” Instead, be specific and say, “I want to lose 5 pounds in two months.”

Making Sure You Are Motivated

So now we have our goals. But how do we keep that motivation strong? Step inside my head and let me explain.

Find Your “Why”: Knowing why it is important for you to achieve your goals would be one of the best motivators. Is it for a healthier body? To be more energetic? Perhaps you simply want to feel more comfortable in your own skin. Whatever it is, use it to guide you and keep that “why” in the back of your mind.
Celebrate Small Wins: It’s possible that you forget that you deserve appreciation for your hard work. If you exercised three days this week, that’s great! Treat yourself to a nice healthy snack or a wonderful bubble bath.
Change It Up: Sometimes monotony spoils the training. Try a new class, change up your routine, or work out with a friend. Make sure it’s nothing with a regularity or mechanical nature; it could be as shocking to fire your passion back up again!
Visualize Your Success: Imagine achieving the goals! Visualization is one of the best motivators. I create a fitness vision board—it’s like a dream board, but one that I can stick on the wall and reach out for.

Setting Goals Ahead!

It’s time to work on really setting goals. Since you know a little better about the goal-setting theory and the motivation to push you, roll up your sleeves! Get a notebook and write down some fitness goals that you shall be following. Make them SMART.

By the way, remember it is not only where you want to reach but mostly it’s an enjoyable trip to take. With each workout, you are getting one step closer toward reaching your goals, so enjoy the ride! Kudos to leveling up!

Here’s to that goal getting smashed (or tackled) and the best version of yourself you have embraced, healthy and happy!