Reaching a goal is a habit
If a goal is important enough, you’ll achieve it. If it is urgent enough you will usually make it or get really close. If it is do or die, you will get damn close.
Although I want to be a pie in the sky dreamer that believes it’s all about being gung-ho, I also believe that we all need a little bit of balance in our lives. A fitness goal is more is just one of many goals and obligations on your plate. You have a life that consists of work, family and other ambitions that aren’t fitness related.
So even though a big goal is admiral and worth while, we need to frame our targets in a way that makes sense within the framework of our current life circumstance.
It’s also been a goal of mine to get a ripped six pack and under 10% body fat. Now, you can call it an excuse, but the idea of having a militant nutrition plan during the holidays just isn’t realistic with my life goal. For me, I know what it would take to get that lean. I understand nutrition and exercise. I know that I could do it, but I choose not to because I don’t want to subject myself to that kind of eating lifestyle right now. I’m simply not ready to do something like that.
Getting big and strong while mitigating fat gain is right up alley for my current circumstance. It’s something I want to do and it’s something I enjoy.
The habit of doing something that reminds you about your goal is the missing piece that people forget to put in place when questing for any fat loss, muscle gain or body change goal.
For me, working out is a reminder of getting better everyday. Getting better at my deadlift goals, my squat goals and my bench press goal. Taking fish oil and eat foods that are anti-inflammatory are reminders that help my body recover after these intense bouts of strength training.
When you’re aspiring to change yourself for the better, you must set trigger points for change. Texting and/or having a conversation with a friend about your progress is a good reminder. Signing up for my email list is another reminder (if you haven’t already).
Being part of a positive group of people that acts as a support structure can serve as a reminder. That’s one of the reasons why I created fat loss with friends which is now turning into “30 & 7.”
I have a friend who is trying to quit smoking. He’s quit in the past, but has picked up the habit again. We all know smoking is highly addictive, but what prompts him to go outside for a cigarette? Typically after a meal was an obvious observation. But If I had to guess other reasons, they would be because of feelings of discomfort (sadness, anger, awkwardness). Nicotine is an addictive substance, but the act of smoking is a learned habit.
Goal setting can also be a learned habit. That’s the purpose of “30 & 7.” To make goal setting a consistent habit.
The act of accomplishing a goal is lining up a series of habits.
To be successful at accomplishing any goal, you have to start with goals that have least amount of habit change or additions. It’s very difficult to accomplish something that requires you to adopt 4 or 5 new behaviors.
If you have big and complicated goal, the likelihood of success will be high if you already mastered other habits. In my case, I want to deadlift 600lbs by December 2014. I already lift weights regularly and can dead lift 505lbs. I may need to gain weight or I may need to figure out a new program and plan.
I have a goal to stay under 200lbs for the rest of the year. I’m doing that right now. My natural set point is around 190-195lbs, so if i chose to diet I could get there within in a few weeks.
The point is I know myself. Know yourself and set a goal that makes sense for you. There is nothing wrong with being a little ambitious, but realistic which you commit 100% to.
6 more days until we start the next 30 day cycle of goals. I hope for you to join us. Be a part of my email list or comment on this post. I want people to enjoy making progress in their health, body, mind and life.
