Are you continuously sitting around, just hoping for your dreams and fantasies to come true?
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately, those fantasies will never become a reality if all you’re doing is hoping.
That is not said to be discouraging but instead to move you towards a path where your fantasies have the possibility to become a reality. How? By turning them into goals with actionable steps that will lead you towards your life long dreams, big or small!
Goals without actions are fantasies.
So, ask yourself this?
“What proof do I have that my goals are coming true?”
If there is no proof then you know your goals are just fantasy.
If you got a weird feeling in your stomach after reading that, it’s a good sign! It means you want more than just a fantasy. The first step in changing that is to create a SMART goal.
S.M.A.R.T goals
A smart goal is one that is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.
“I want to be leaner” is not a SMART goal because it is not specific, measurement, or timely.
“I want to build 5 pounds of skeletal muscle mass in 12 months” is a better example of a SMART goal because it is specific and measurable if you have the proper tools to measure muscle mass, as well as timely and attainable.
Once you have your specific goal it is time to start working through the actions that are necessary to move towards that goal. Whether that be buying your first house, becoming the next CEO of a company, or gaining 5 pounds of muscle mass, each goal requires actionable steps that must be done on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis in order to move steadily in the right direction.
As you begin brainstorming the action steps that will be necessary, continue to ask yourself this question:
“Am I 100% confident in performing this action?”
If the answer is no, then you NEED to make it simpler. If you are not confident in your ability to follow through with the plan then the likelihood of moving steadily forward will be slim. Confidence is necessary for adherence and adherence is crucial to reach your goals!
Start simple, focus on what you have control over, and build over time.
A few examples of actionable steps necessary for building lean muscle mass for a beginner
- Step 1: Log food every day for 14 days & start strength training 3-4 days per week
- Step 2: Meet adequate daily caloric goals for 28 days, while continuing to log food and consistently show up to the gym 4 days per week
- Step 3: Minimize alcohol consumption (while continuing to hit personalized daily caloric goals, logging food, and training consistently)
- Step 4: Set a sleep routine! Sleep 7-9 hours each night and minimize alcohol consumption (while minimizing alcohol consumption, and continuing to hit personalized daily caloric goals, logging food, and training consistently)
- Step 5: TBD
The time it takes to move through these steps depends on the individual and their commitment level.. It is also important to remember that each individual is different, therefore the steps to achieve similar goals will also look different. Keep it simple and slowly build as your confidence improves.
Developing new habits is complex. If you’d like to learn more click this link to read our blog on the multi-stage model of developing habits as well as the science behind habit creation.
Most people already have a good understanding on what needs to be done in order to reach their goals, but it can be frustrating figuring out how to put it all together into a tangible plan that works. This is where Central Athlete coaches come in! We work with you in determining the best plan of action that will leave you feeling confident and successful in the decisions you are making each day. Click the link below to schedule a free strategy session today and speak to a Central Athlete coach to learn more!