Setting Mini Goals for Long Term Health
Posted: April 22, 2012 Filed under: fitspiration | Tags: fitspiration 2 Comments »If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ve probably heard me talk about how I love setting mini goals for myself. (Here and here, for example.) Sometimes that just means getting to the four-minute mark during interval runs and then backing off for a walking minute. Sometimes it means focusing on eating real foods all day so I can enjoy a treat for dessert at night. Setting these mini goals gives me something to look forward to, something to strive for, and something attainable to serve as a benchmark for my progress.
Eating right, exercising, and living a generally healthy lifestyle are all long-term goals of mine that don’t have any kind of start or end dates, but sometimes setting mini goals can help me really refocus and get back on track if I’ve been straying. And over the past couple of weeks, I’ve definitely been straying. I’ve enjoyed eating the things I’ve wanted and I’ve felt like my body has needed the easier workouts, but I’m ready to get back on track with a specific goal in mind.
This time, that goal is coming in the form of a trip to Florida in May… I just booked my plane ticket to go see Billy play baseball in the sunshine state a month from now, and I’m so excited!
Now, let me clarify by saying that this isn’t about planning to lose “x” number of pounds before I go or anything, but it is about refocusing my healthy habits so that I can feel my best. I have a lot going on between now and then (finals, last day at work, graduation, etc.) so it’s not like I’m not going to enjoy myself as I always do, but being able to set goals for myself always makes me happy. For me, setting this type of mini goal allows me to look back and say ‘wow, I did really great with my [eating, workouts, stretching, healthy living, etc.] for the past [day/week/month],’ and I love that feeling!
With all of that in mind, here’s some Fitspiration to kick off the next month:
Questions:
Do you ever set mini goals for yourself?
Do you find that setting mini goals helps you better achieve your long-term goals?
Hi Megan, this is the first time I have linked over to your blog from FB. I have just read this segment but I can’t wait to explore the rest of it. I love reading things like this. It helps me stay motivated. I have struggled with my weight pretty much my whole life but up until about 8 years ago I never thought I would like working out and how it makes me feel. I am not gonna lie, there are some days I want to sit on the couch or pull the covers back over my head but once I am working out I am so glad I chose to do it. My problem is more with eating. I know it is for a lifetime so reading inspirational things like this are great! Thanks for writing. I look forward to reading past blogs you have written and look forward to seeing when you post future ones.
KC
Hi Karen!
I definitely know what you mean about sometimes not wanting to go workout, but once you do it you’re glad you did. (I feel the same way, so you might enjoy this post: http://cookiesncrunches.com/2012/01/25/once-you-get-there/) I also agree that eating right can be a challenge, but I find that looking at it as a lifestyle instead of trying to be perfect at it everyday helps me stay on track over the long term. I hope in some small way I can help you do that too! Thanks for stopping by and leaving that sweet comment. I hope you find something else you enjoy here as well!
Megan