Goal Setting

So I started this blog with the goal to work out everyday for the 2 weeks.  I havent quite completed that task but I have exercised a lot more since I started.  I figured I would look more into how important setting goals is when exercising.  Whether it is short term, long term, specific or vague, goal setting impacts exercise.

Goal setting and motivation go hand and hang.  Goal setting directs your behavior and efforts. 

"According to the "The Introduction to Psychology," vague goals may not provide much motivation, because you won't know whether you are actually achieving your goal. Specific goals provide more motivation, because they allow you to measure your progress and take steps to plan your behavior to meet your goals. Setting a specific goal allows you to evaluate the goal to determine if the goal is realistically attainable. Realistic and attainable goals are more motivating that vague, possibly unattainable goals."

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/310075-relationship-between-goal-setting-motivation/#ixzz1lS8w8pWW

 

On the other hand, the intensity and difficulty of a goal can be benneficial and motivational.

When setting goals, keep these things in mind:

• General health goals
• Weight loss
• Healthy eating
• Exercise and fitness
• Life balance (stress management, sleep and relaxation)

Basically, I think as a form of motivation we should set weekly or monthly goals to hold ourselves accountable.  Maybe run a timed mile on Sunday and then want to beat that time the following Saturday.  Or it could be that you want to exercise for at least 10 hours total by the end of the week.  Maybe a goal could be to run/walk/bike at least 10 miles by the end of the week.  Whatever it is, make a goal that you can stick to while still challenging yourself!