Goal setting (SMART goals)

A SMART goal is one that is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.
Specific means that the goal is clearly defined. A vague goal like “getting fit” would be hard to achieve and measure.
Measurable means that you have a way to evaluate your progress. This might be improvements in speed, strength, or flexibility, depending on the goal.
Achievable goals are ones that can be reached. They might require hard work, but they’re within your capabilities.
Realistic goals align with your current life situation and resource level. For instance, aiming to be an Olympic champion might be unrealistic if you can only exercise once a week.
Time-bound goals have a deadline. This promotes commitment and keeps up your motivation.

Goal setting is a powerful tool to motivate yourself and stay focused on your fitness plan.
Having clear goals provides a sense of direction, which can make you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Moving towards your goals and seeing your progress can boost your self-esteem and confidence.
When goals are achieved, it provides a sense of accomplishment and reinforces the value of your efforts.

Specific: Be precise about what you want to achieve. If you want to lose weight, specify how many pounds. If you want to run faster, specify the time for a certain distance.
Measurable: Set measurable milestones for progress, such as losing 1 kilo a week, or shaving 10 seconds off your running time each month.
Achievable: Avoid setting goals that are too harsh or impossible to achieve. Instead, set goals that stretch your abilities but are still possible.
Realistic: Make sure your goals are manageable with your abilities and resources. Running a marathon may not be realistic if you’re just starting to exercise regularly.
Time-bound: Set a timeline for when you want to achieve your goals. This could range from a few weeks to several months or more, depending on the goal.