Finding The Motivation You Need To Stick With It: Exercise
November 22nd, 2008

Exercise is hard enough without all the temptations of life. Sticking to an exercise program requires motivation and persistence. Often times we find excuses to not work out or eat right. A busy schedule, illness, work, tiredness and lack of equipment are just a few of the most commonly thought of excuses. But what is the answer to staying motivated to reach goals? Some swear by the S.M.A.R.T. system. The S.M.A.R.T system works because it is simple and gives you some structure with your plan. It is effective for both short and long term goals and works with any diet and exercise program.

What does the S.M.A.R.T system consist of? This is an overview of the system and how it can work to motivate you to stick with the goals that you have set for yourself. Remember that goal setting and the S.M.A.R.T. system are only as strong and useful as the person doing it. You must have the "want-to" to achieve any goal. The S.M.A.R.T system only works when you work it! Use the system to motivate you to stick with your goals and you will find yourself with more confidence and a better body!

"Gimme an S"

1. Specific Goals. Goals are an excellent way to stay motivated. Research has shown that setting both short and long term goals is the most motivating thing that you can do for yourself. An example of a good goal is to run one mile without stopping. An example of a less effective goal is simply "to run more."

"Gimme an M"

2. Measurable Goals.

It is easy to say that you want to run more. It is imperative that you are able to measure the amount of progress that you are making. You should be able to chart the amount of time that you spend working towards your goal and also to be able to see the improvement.

"Gimme an A"

3. Adjust. You need to make goals that are attainable. There will be times when you will not be able to meet these goals and you should be able to be flexible with your goals. This will give you the feeling of accomplishment and motivate you to keep trying. You should be able to change your goal so that it is still a challenge, but one that you can physically do. For example, if your goal is to compete in a triathlon in October and you break your ankle, you may not be able to reach this goal. However, if your goals are flexible, you will be able to change it to a different time in which you are able to achieve the goal.

"Gimme an R"

4. Realistic Goals. It is important to be realistic in your goal setting. You shouldn't set a goal of running five miles in the first month if you have not been exercising in the past. Start small. Obtaining smaller goals will help to build confidence and morale in order to meet more challenging goals. You can always add more goals as you reach those that are already set. You should be careful though not to set goals which will not give you satisfaction. If your goal is to lose one pound a month, then you might not have to work as hard and thus might not get as great of a pleasure from achieving that goal.

"Gimme a T"

5. Time Based Goals.

If your goals are not time based, then there is a chance that you may become bored with the goal. It is important to set a goal that you can measure not only in speed or distance but in time. For example, it is a good idea to set a weekly goal to run one mile in 45 minutes. For the next week it might be 30 minutes. Be sure to push yourself each week to meet these goals.

Setting goals is one of the best ways possible to stay motivated throughout any kind of weight loss or training plan. Using the S.M.A.R.T system you can achieve your goals of fitness and become the person that you want to be

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