Going through life or situations doesn’t always have to be such a tussle and a hassle; but of course, as always, life happens.
The very first I got motivated enough to begin working out, I had an awful experience.
I did everything, everything at once, didn’t take any breaks, did rigorous routines and generally pushed myself too hard. If you work out a lot, or are conversant with some of these routines, you’d agree I was doing it the wrong way. So yeah, ouch!
I mean, here I was overly motivated to begin keeping fit; I did jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups, and every other ‘up’ that came to mind. I even felt guilty when I got so tired and stopped for 3 seconds. I had often heard of the health benefits of exercising, I finally decided to give it a try.
I was in so much pain and severely sore afterwards that I gave up on day 3. On day 2, I motivated myself again saying something like “it’s not going to be easy at first, so don’t give up.” “Push yourself hard!” And by the end of day 2, I couldn’t move a muscle, literally.
To properly drive home the point I intend to, here’s a second story;
Just last week, I got motivated again to begin working out. Don’t laugh just yet. I was still in pain, yes, but this time was different.
A night before I set out to begin, I downloaded a fitness app on my mobile phone. I set up my fitness goals and thereafter, had a definite plan and guide to follow.
I can tell you, yes, I did get sore that first day, but only a little; nothing compared to that initial time. And by the end of day 2, rather than get more sore, the workouts did some magic and healing to how I felt. I was excited and couldn’t wait for the next workout day.
I may not be seeing the results yet—mostly because I haven’t worked out in like 3 days now— but I am definitely sticking to that template.
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Now, you! Does my story(ies) seem similar to one or more situations you’ve found yourself, especially in the area of setting and achieving goals?
After getting motivated to set goals; after following the SMART template, is that where it all ends?
As much as you have been motivated and all fired up and ready to begin, calm down and seek proper guidance— from people and platforms more experienced than you are.
So, here are a few practical steps which would help you achieve your goals;
- Actually set those goals. This still seems a little vague, so I’d break it down further; pick a certain area you want to develop and see changes in, say your finances. Have a pen and paper close by of course, and begin to think as you jot down. Think of things you’re great at when it comes to finance and jot them down. Also think of the areas which need an intervention and as well, jot those too. From the list of things you need to improve on, pick one and then focus on that.
- Seek knowledge, but beyond that, seek guidance. That particular area you are finding difficult, some people have passed through such and succeeded. Follow their template. Just like I started following the fitness app’s template at a later time, do same.
- Have a definite plan. As much as you want to follow that template to the very least, you still need your own plan. Your situations might be the same, but never identical.
- Take note of your process— what worked, how it did, where it did and everything. I mean, it would totally suck if you get results, yet can’t replicate it at a later time. If you were true to your process, you should be able to replicate same results, apply more knowledge to have them multiplied.
Achieving a goal, just like every other thing, is an intentional process.
Was this of value to you? Let me know in the comments.
Sending love and light your way.
Cheers to steady growth,
Zoey.
Zoey 