OMG it’s the middle of September and Spring is actually here!  I love this time of year!  It’s like starting everything fresh and new after being in hibernation during winter, not to mention the gorgeous spring weather.

Motivation levels are a bit higher than usual with the thoughts of having to remove the layers of clothing exposing that “winter coat” that you may have just appeared over the last few months!

This is also a great time to rethink your goals.  Every 3 months I like to have a chat with my clients about what they would like to achieve over the coming few months.  At the moment we are half way through a little 8 week “challenge” and the results coming from the half way measurements are so exciting, I can’t wait for the final results!

Have you sat down and thought what your health & fitness goals might be for the next 3 months?

Whatever they are, to make sure you are successful, you need to put a plan in place to keep you on the right!  To get you started here are a few questions you can ask yourself …

What do I want to achieve?

What do I have to do to achieve my goal?
Am I going to be super committed to achieving this goal?
How am I going to measure my progress?
How will I know when I have achieved my goal?

Asking yourself these questions will give you a bit more direction and focus on what it is that you want to achieve.  Write down your answers so that you have the words in front of you.

Now the next part is a bit like an assignment but bear with me, it’s not really that time consuming or tedious!  It might actually be a bit of fun!

Is your goal S. M. A. R. T ?  Working through this acronym you will be able to work out a plan to achieve your new goal.   It doesn’t have to be incredibly long winded, it’s the process of thinking about what, how, when and why that will really cement your new plans.

So what is SMART?

Specific   ..

be specific with what you want to achieve.  No wishy washy nonsense like “Oh, maybe I could lose a few kilos and tone up a bit”.

Does that sound strong, assertive, positive? Your goal needs to state exactly what you want to achieve, be, feel .. state specifically what you want to achieve

  “Lose 10kg and look great in a new summer maxi dress”

Measurable  ..

how are you going to know you are on track to achieving your goal or that you have reached it.

Take some starting measurements ie weight, girth measurements, a pair of shorts you want to fit into, take a picture, time trials, fitness tests …

** remember that the scales are not the most accurate measure all the time, they can be downright frustrating!

Retake these measurements on about once a month ( no, not DAILY! ) so that you can track your progress.  Keep at it because changes are super motivating!

Achievable …

make sure that your goal is achievable within the time frame that you have decided upon.

If you have 6 weeks, don’t expect to lose 20kg .. unless of course you have been weighing yourself holding one of your children ..

in which case, put them down now!  And no, I do not have a magic pill / wand / formula / food to achieve this, nor does anyone no matter what they tell you.

Realistic …

this one is kind of the same as the above.  Keep it real! ( Does that sound wanky? )

Setting unrealistic goals is setting yourself up for failure .. don’t do this to yourself, you have much more respect for yourself than that!

Time frame …

decide on your time frame, be it 6 weeks, 12 weeks or 6 months.

You need to plan your training and nutrition into manageable chunks .. for example, set yourself a weekly or monthly goal.

You might decide you need to lose 1 – 1.5kg each week to achieve your goal .. plan your training and nutrition each week so that you are fully prepared to excel.

Right, now you have done that, research what will be the best, healthiest and safest way to achieve your goal.

Keep something around you to motivate you to keep going … a note stuck to the bathroom mirror or fridge.  A picture of the dress you want to wear, or the new bikini you will be rockin’ in a few months .. better yet, hang them up in your bedroom to remind you everyday to stay focused!

Find someone who shares a similar goal.  It doesn’t have to be exactly the same but having a partner in crime can help keep you accountable and you can motivate each other, challenge each other and be there to support each other.

Lastly, go out and get your goal!! Believe in yourself and be positive and you will achieve what ever it is that you think about!

If you would like me to be there to support you and help you to achieve your goals, then be sure to check out my Women’s Only Health & Fitness Tribe … click on the pic below for more info!