Most of us have goals for our future. Goals for eating healthier, getting in shape, finding a new and rewarding career, or buying a new home. What type of a goal setter are you? Do you set goals and stick with them or are you a procrastinator? If you procrastinate, what are the setbacks? Are the excuses legitimate or are you blaming others? Typically, procrastination is making excuses or casting blame on others. Think about why you have not yet met your goal.
Let’s take, for instance, the goal of “getting in shape.”
Goal: Lose 15 pounds and increase muscle tone in three months
Strategy: work out 4 times a week; cardio and weight training, and healthy eating
Excuse: Too tired after work – just go tomorrow, don’t feel up to it, gym is too crowded, crave sweets/salts/fats – will get back on track tomorrow, not motivated, have to take care of kids/family/work/pets
It is so easy to set short and long terms goals, but actually sticking with them can be difficult due to busy schedules, excuses, lack of motivation, etc. Make your goals a priority. Don’t put your goals on other people, they are your goals. Don’t make excuses to not get them done. If you have a doctor’s appointment or an interview, do you make that a priority or make excuses not to go? Make your life goals just as important as you do anything else in your life that you consider important.
Motivation
What motivates you? Is it easy or hard for you to get motivated or stay motivated? The first time I trained for an NPC Bikini competition, I was so motivated I didn’t sway from my workouts or meals at all. I stuck to it 110%. My eyes were on the prize (getting fit and toned more than I ever had been before). I didn’t want anything to jeopardize obtaining my personal goal. I met my goal and did better than I ever expected. I have brought home 5 trophies thus far, in an 8 month period.
During training for my 5th competition, and was much harder to stay motivated. I had the excuse that I was exhausted, I work full time, have my personal business, I am in training, and have my family. Yes, it is a full load, but I chose this. So, what was holding me back?
I found that the value that I placed on my goal was the same value that I placed in my motivation. The competition was important to me and I wanted to look and do my best, but because I didn’t put much value on the competition (because it wasn’t a “major” show) allowed me to put less value on it. I then asked myself, “why work so hard every day, eat clean and lean every day just to end up on stage knowing that I didn’t give it my all?” Regardless of the show, regardless of the prize, I am in this for me and no one else. When I think of it that way I think of how I am only cheating myself when I don’t stick my “my” goals all the way.
If you set a goal, go for it 110% or don’t do it at all! The goal is for you and you alone. So put your all into it, and know that when you reach the end, that you did your absolute best.
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
-Philippians 4:13
And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope;
-Romans 5:3-4
