While it’s great to HAVE goals, that doesn’t do you any good without this guide to ACHIEVING GOALS:
“You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.”
-James Clear, bestselling author of Atomic Habits
Goals are just wishes
UNTIL
you have SYSTEMS in place to make sure the required ACTIONS happen.
That’s it.
But between work, family, and daily stresses, consistency with healthy habits can feel like an impossible dream. The good news? You’re not alone. Many Nashville residents face the same struggle. The key to unlocking those health and fitness goals lies in simple mindset shifts and these practical tips:
Your Guide To Achieving Goals
Having a goal of losing weight or getting stronger is just a wish — a desire that will never happen
UNTIL
you get systems in place to make the required actions happen.
[Read that sentence again please.]
Let’s say your goal is to lose 20 pounds.
Most people go after this goal by saying things like “I just need to clean up my eating” or “I need to get back to working out.”
Perhaps these are true concepts, but they are 100% USELESS because they don’t tell you anything about HOW YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN.
What does “cleaning up your eating” mean?
- Eating less?
- Making better choices?
- Learning healthier ways to eat out?
- Navigating sabotaging sugar cravings and emotional eating?
And how about “working out more”?
- What kinds of exercise do you need to do?
- How hard do you push it?
- How much rest and recovery time do you need?
- How often is enough?
- What style of workout is best for you?
In order to make progress, you’ve got to determine what adjustments (aka ACTIONS) will have the most impact on your particular situation.
THEN
You need to implement systems and habit-forming into your life to make those actions happen.
(That’s why we do strategizing, planning, and accountability for our personal training clients.)
Together we determine WHAT needs to happen, and HOW TO SET UP SYSTEMS TO MAKE IT HAPPEN.
(Look at what Carly has done in the last few months!)
Without specific strategies and systems, we are all just dreaming.
And we all know that dreams don’t change anything.
CONSISTENT ACTION changes things.
And you can’t be consistent without implementing systems into your life to make those vital actions happen over and over again.
Coaching helps, no denying it. Having an exercise and nutrition coach in your corner gives you all the components you need:
1) Smart strategies,
2) Realistic action plans, and
3) Systems with accountability to make them happen.
So whether you have a coach or you’re trying it on your own, without a smart, realistic plan — AND CONSISTENT EXECUTION OF THAT PLAN – it won’t happen.
Let’s make things happen! Drop us a note, and we’ll find a time to talk about personal training and nutrition coaching to make the best version of YOU!
More tips for achieving goals
Time Management Struggle: The Vicious Cycle of Planning vs. Doing
We all have the same 24 hours, but the key to achieving goals lies in optimizing those hours for both planning and action. Here’s the common pitfall: meticulously crafting a detailed meal plan or workout schedule, only to find yourself derailed by the day’s chaos.
The challenge lies in prioritizing tasks and using your time efficiently. Here’s where a personal trainer or nutrition coach becomes your secret weapon. They can create a customized plan that fits your unique schedule and preferences. They’ll also provide expert guidance and accountability, making the most of your limited time while maximizing results.
Trainer’s Tip: Embrace Shorter-Term Planning
Focus on creating a simple, flexible framework for your healthy choices. Plan your meals for just a day or two at a time, allowing room for spontaneity and schedule surprises. Schedule your workout time in shorter blocks. If you can’t manage your planned gym session, downgrade to a 20-minute bodyweight routine at home. That’s way better than zero exercise! Remember that consistency is key, so prioritize small, achievable actions over grand, potentially overwhelming plans.
Imagine What Achieving Your Goals Will Feel Like
You’ve envisioned it – a healthier, stronger you. You crave the energy to conquer your day, with the confidence that radiates from a body you feel great in. But the path to achieving these goals often feels like a never-ending uphill battle. Work, family, and daily pressures leave you constantly strapped for time, making consistent healthy habits a distant dream.
Find Your “Why”. Tap into your deeper motivations. Is it having the energy to play with your grandkids? Feeling confident in a swimsuit? Having the strength and stamina to tackle a physically-challenging trip? Visualize how achieving your goals will make you feel, and let that emotion fuel your commitments.
Manageable Goals
Achieving lasting health and fitness improvements isn’t about drastic changes or spending endless hours at the gym. It’s about building consistency, and that’s where these mindset hacks come in:
- Ditch the “all or nothing” mentality. Focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins – a day of healthy meals, an after-dinner walk before couch-crash, or mastering a new exercise move. Little victories fuel motivation and build momentum, making consistency easier.
- Small, sustainable changes are key. Instead of a radical diet overhaul, start by swapping sugary drinks for citrus-flavored water. Add a serving of vegetables to your meals. Aim for shorter, more frequent bouts of exercise instead of infrequent, intense workouts.
- Planning is your secret weapon. Prep healthy meals and snacks in advance. Schedule your workouts in your calendar, and treat them like any other important appointments. Batching saves precious time and reduces decision fatigue.
- Expect trouble. Life WILL throw you curveballs. Don’t let a missed workout or one food slip-up derail you. Let it go — Get the next decision right!
Remember, a personal trainer or nutrition coach can be the ultimate tool for achieving your goals. They’ll create personalized plans for YOUR specific life, hold you accountable to your most important tasks, and maximize your efforts and strategies. Investing in your health is investing in your LIFE – the most worthwhile investment you can make! Send us a message to talk about options.