You have to know where you are going before you set out on a trip. If you have never been there before you will probably get a map (or set your gps), and plan your trip so you know exactly where you are going. Without a map or gps it would be very hard to make it to your destination. Even with a GPS you can and will (I know I would) get off-track, or lost, but because you know where you are going and have made a plan to get there you will be able to recover quickly and get back on track. Sometimes you need the help of other people because you get so lost you don’t know how to get back on track. Rather then driving around aimlessly wasting time and fuel, it is sometimes best to stop and talk to a local who knows the area that can get you back on track.

A lot of people go into exercising/training with no specific goal in mind. They want to look good or they want to be strong, or they want to have a six pack (of abs not beer). But those goals are so non specific they are easy to forget when you are tired in the morning and want to skip the gym session… or are out with your friends having a glorious time and you want to order a BIG HUGE plate of nachos.

Just like travelling, when you know where you want to go, it is much easier to stay on the path to get there. Further, if you make a good plan to reach that goal you will know what to do to accomplish it.

Last week I fell off the clean eating and training wagon. I lost my way. Luckily my goals are clear and concise and I know where I want to go, so I was able to stop the negative behavior and get back on track quickly and easily with only a little damage done (and most to my liver).

I did realize that as concise as my goals are, I have MANY of them. They are all skills that I want to accomplish; 10 Pistol Squats, 15 hanging pull-ups, Strict Muscle up, Bar Muscle up, Hollow back handstand, etc. There are so many I only put a few down. It is great to have lots of goals but again, you need to plan out HOW you will get there. Sometimes I get over whelmed and I lose my focus and then I just don’t even know where to start.

The Plan

The end goal should always be performance. Whether it is in a specific sport/race, or just in life (mine is to be a strong fit mom), the end goal is to perform. But to get there you must set smaller goals. Here are the questions to ask yourself. Write down your answers and review them regularly to stay on track:

1. Performance: What am I training for? What do you want to accomplish? Are you running in a race, or do you play a sport? Are you past the days you compete in sports and want to be fit for life, to keep up with your children, or grandchildren. Whatever it is, write it down.

2. Goal Setting: What are the skills I need to master to get there? That is easy to do if you have a specific sport in mind, or race that you are going to run but what if it is just training for life? Think about it. Write something down.

3. Professional Help or Coaching: Do I need help to get there? If you had trouble answering question two then you might need the help of a trainer, or a coach that can help you find your way. Sometimes it just takes a few sessions to help you find your path and then you are well on your way to being fit for life.

Without a plan you will get lost. Think about your goals, what you want to accomplish and let that be your fuel to motivate you.