It’s not just about the physical gains; it’s about the journey, the discipline, and the personal growth that comes with each step towards our milestones. Just like when you were a little kid and your mom would measure your height on the kitchen doorway; you never see yourself getting taller when you look in the mirror, but those marks are evidence that growing is going on! Goals help us measure fitness and other achievements in the exact same way.
Imagine setting a goal to cycle your first 5K. At first, the idea might seem daunting, especially if you’re starting from scratch. But as you lace up your sneakers and hit the pavement, day after day, something magical happens. The once impossible distance becomes achievable, and you find strength you didn’t know you had. You become faster and ride farther until finally, you’ve done it.
Setting fitness goals can be a metaphor for any of life’s ambitions. It’s about overcoming obstacles, celebrating small victories, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what we believe is possible. It’s not the speed at which we reach our goals, but the perseverance we demonstrate along the way.
I started actually focusing on my own fitness goals in December of 2022. I have been talking about the Transplant Games for far too long, so I decided to celebrate the ten year anniversary of donating my kidney, I would ride my bike in the 20k race at the Transplant Games. Understand this, friends: I signed up that summer to be the pacer for LifeGift’s seconds chance 5k run and – hear me when I tell you this, people – a CHILD, a TEN-YEAR-OLD, on FOOT beat me to the finish line……I was NOT in any shape to be deciding to ride in a race!!!
But here I am. Thanks to goals. Specifically, SMART goals. SMART stands for
My very first goal was just to move for 30 minutes a day, at least three days a week, but now I am riding 20k regularly. I also have an infographic I keep on my desktop of all of the goals that I have achieved, kind of like my own little wall measuring stick so I can see that I am growing and achieving. In fitness, taking photos and measurements, keeping logs of activity, amount of weight used, distance, speed, and reps, can be indicators of growth.
According to research, you are 42% more likely to achieve a goal if you write it down!
I set new goals regularly, some weekly, some monthly, some yearly. I check them often and always celebrate successes. We will be talking more about goals more specifically as we go, but remember that a goal without a plan is just a wish!!! Next Saturday, we will be talking about how to plan your goals and actually achieve them!!
For now, set a few goals, track your progress, and celebrate every milestone…you’ve earned it!!! Remember, friends, the race is won by perseverance, not speed. You’ve got this!! Until our next adventure, keep wandering and wondering!! 🌍✨