Tips for goals + random resolutions
I’m usually right there in the middle of the New Years hoopla of big changes. While I don’t like the pressure of an ambiguous date -if you want to make a change, why not just do it then, in the moment?- I can definitely agree with the fresh, crispy feeling of a new year, chance to turn over a new leaf and making changes that are easily measured against time for progress.
You’ll hear me say “goal”
“aspiration”
“intention”
but rarely “resolution.”
Why?
I kind of hate the quick-fix association with the word resolution, which I know isn’t its fault 😉
So often, especially while working at a gym, I would hear some pretty ludicrous and unattainable “resolutions.” The man who wanted a six-pack in a month, who really needed a consistent cardio routine for his health, the woman who was endeavoring to consume all meals in liquid form, and the flood of resolution-ers that would storm the gym in masses, punishing themselves on cardio and strength equipment, only to fizzle out a couple of weeks later.
I think that “goals,” “intentions” and “aspirations” sound a lot more friendly than “resolution,” but whatever you like to call it, here are a few of my favorite tips for success:
-Make it realistic. If you’re thinking about fitness goals, be sure to make them part of a lifestyle. There’s no reason to work out twice in one day unless you’re doing it for enjoyment and fueling yourself appropriately. Pick a clear goal that you can truly see yourself accomplishing.
-Make it random (to others). My iPhone typing goal is a little random, but to me, it’s something that definitely matters. I get quite a few emails each day, and part of the reason I have such a hard time keeping up with them is because I’m a butterfingers at typing on my phone. Pair that with the fact that AutoCorrect isn’t my friend (it took maybe a year for it to learn “Zumba” is not “Zimbabwe”) and sometimes I’ll want to respond to a longer email while out and about, and it takes twice as long so I’ll just save it until I’m home and can type from my computer. If I can get more proficient at typing on my phone, I’ll have an easier time responding promptly and while I’m not at home.
-Don’t tell everyone. I read this tip somewhere and think it’s so true: if you tell someone about a huge goal, it gives you a percentage of the satisfaction you’d receive from actually accomplishing it. I have a couple of big ideas for 2013 and am not telling anyone (well, except Tom but the poor man pretty much hears every thought that comes into my brain haha). You can shout your small and random goals from the rooftops, but for your really big, scary goals: write them down, add them to your inspiration board and silently take actions to achieve them. I also feel like this method takes some of the pressure out of huge aspirations- no one will ask me how my iPhone typing goal is going, but people would definitely want to know about a bikini competition or progress (which I have no plans for in 2013, just an example).
-Specificity is great for goals (like “I will take 3 yoga classes each week), but don’t be afraid to be general. I like to think about habits and behaviors I’d like to keep and give away in the new year. This year I’m keeping my desire to be the best mom, wife, daughter and friend I can be, setting an example for Oliv (with fun, love and teaching), and trying to put my best effort into everything I do, even if that means doing less and doing it well. I’m giving away judgment, caring so much about what others think, and my fear of teaching new-to-me classes. I always get a little anxious when one pops up on my schedule, but instead of fearing it, I’m going to embrace the opportunity to learn so many different formats.
So tell me, friends: what are your random goals for 2013?? Here are some of the amazing ones I read via Twitter and Facebook:
Last reminder to send in your Pinterest boards! I’m LOVING all of the beautiful ones I’ve seen so far 🙂
xoxo
Gina
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I like that you mention keeping the goal private because you give up some of the satisfaction.
I also think that when you don’t tell anyone the goal, if you don’t QUITE make it to the goal it is easier to get the satisfaction of what you did in fact accomplish rather than focus on what you didn’t accomplish.
It makes me kind of sad how many people I know see resolutions as “quick fixes” and don’t focus enough on WHY they want to make a positive change (not that were all not guilty of this sometimes 🙂 ). Focusing on the short term as opposed to the value usually results in them, “forgetting” about it.
I love New Year’s Resolutions!!! I made a big ol’ list 🙂
My goal for 2013 is to be happier, healthier and have more fun. And try to be a nicer person. Not that I am normally I horrible person (at least I hope I’m not!) but to try harder to make life a little better and more fun for the people I love.
That is great, I have to use that picture 🙂
Great post Gina! I’m right there with ya – I can’t stand the term resolutions but love goals, aspirations, and intentions. I made my vision board last week for the 3rd year in a row (you can see it here if you like – bit.ly/ZOr1cn ) and some of the main ones I’m working on are:
– Running a sub-1:30 half marathon
– Eating more mindfully
– Spending more time with my friends and making new ones
Here’s to a great 2013! 🙂
I did do the two workouts a day thing once, but that was in college so it was a little different. I would do about an hour of cardio or weights after classes and lunch, then go back later in the afternoon or early in the evening for a group exercise class. I know why you warn against the two workouts a day thing, but I feel like I did it well because I was keeping fun and varied.
I kind of keep away from the whole resolution thing, since I am more realistic about what I can do/would have the motivation to keep up. However, I do want to keep up my healthy eating habits and working out.
I liked many people’s goals that they listed 🙂
My goals got many likes – I attribute that to my bacon dessert goal 🙂 Not exactly sure making bacon-dessert is a ‘goal’ – but it is fun!
I agree! People should not wait till jan 1 to make changes in their life. In my opinion the right time is always now and today. Why wait if its for the better? If you miss it, reset the goal. My goal this year is leave my office job and be my own boss full time and devote my hours to helping others. 🙂
I want to PR my half-marathon time, get to bed earlier, SMILE more, drink more water and sit up straight! 🙂
I like to keep big goals “secret” as well, but I’ve also heard that it’s good to talk about your goals in order to be held accountable as well. I guess the little goals could be ones disclosed with others…
Great tips Gina! I love the one about being silent with one’s goals. I think when you set an intention to actually achieve something– from that point on its about doing and not talking!
I have goals that I’m constantly working toward all the time, not just in the new year. I don’t get too caught up in all of that.
This year, however, I do have a few random goals:
• Do 100 “real” push-ups (I’ve actually wanted to this for 2 years now but in 2011 I got pregnant, then 2012 I broke my hip giving birth) So this year just may be THE year! Push-ups are my worst nightmare so I want kick their butt! Plus it’ll motivate me to workout the rest of me. I don’t want just one part of me toned 😉
• Paint this one random wall in our house. Every other wall has been painted except that one. I’mnot sure why. We’ve only lived here for 7 years now! It drives me (and only me) nuts!
• Learn to sew. I’ve just always wanted to be able to do it. I can’t even sew up a small tear in a shirt. My husband had to show me!!
I have three goals this year, but I usually set mini goals for myself along the way. I started using a free habit-tracking website, dailyfeats.com (which gives you gift card/discount points for meeting your goals!!) and it has helped keep me accountable this year with all of my healthy eating/exercise/home organization goals, as well as a few others. I also got to use my points from it for a buy-one-get-one free meal date at a local place with my hubby the other day so it was a neat way to treat myself for meeting my goals! =]
I really like the idea of keeping ‘resolutions’ private (I’m right there with you about not liking the word!).. it’s one thing to have some encouraging accountability (when you tell your close friends your goals)… it’s a whole other ball game when you have to do the walk of shame out of the grocery store when one of your random facebook “friends” sees you buying a sworn-off food!
I love the random goals – I just thought of one…remember to put on my night cream every.single.night. I gotta stay looking fresh (or at least try)!
I also posted my resolutions/goals/aspirations, etc. but I still have a few up my sleeve that I won’t share until 2014 🙂
I attended a New Year’s Yoga retreat – we spent the day practicing yoga and identifying/discussing our intentions for the year. It was amazing 🙂
I’m working on the Pinterest Inspiration board. I will post when I am done.
Peace,
K
Hey Gina! You should get the SWYPE app for texting on the iPhone. It was helpful for me when I was really struggling to type on the touch screen. Hope that helps! 🙂
Hi
I posted my inspiration board on the post but don’t see my comment and then when I try and post again it says duplicate comment. I hope you see mine. 🙂
So true!
http://pinterest.com/gabbzilla03/inspiration-board-2013/
my inspiration board…I kept it as a Secret Board all December but now it’s finally ready to go public:)
Love this post! I’ve had a lot of the same thoughts as this lately, while reading a lot of people’s resolutions posts. Last year, I tried to be really specific with my resolutions (and did good with them, I think!), but this year I’m going with a little less specificity. I think that, now that I’ve graduated college, my lifestyle isn’t as scheduled or “specific” as it used to be, so I think I’ll work better with a less-specific goal plan. We’ll see, I guess!
My inspiration board! A work in progress, but its a good start. 🙂
http://pinterest.com/browniepac/2013-inspirationboard/
I love that Gina!! It is so important how you set your goal in order to actually achieve them. When I was deeper in my ED I always set these unrealistic goals to be cured in a week by only drinking green juices for 7 days. FAIL everytime. I linked this post up in my today’s post I hope you don’t mind!
thank you for spreading the link love 🙂
xoxo
(and keep up the good work taking care of yourself!)
There are a few goals I haven’t mentioned to anyone (outside my little household) too. I find that they’re lofty enough for me as they are, without the added pressure of other people checking in with me.
Good luck to you for all your goals over the coming year!
My inspiration board!
http://pinterest.com/jmandrighetti/2013-inspiraton-board/
Thanks for making me think of who I want to become this year!
there is one thing i absolutely love about your blog and think you do the most fantastic job of: fostering a community!!! even though most blogs have questions at the end to engage readers, i love how you go above and beyond that, create fun things or goals together, and actually feature and acknowledge your readers and make them feel special!
i think it’s wonderful that your blog isn’t just about you 🙂
keep up the great work!!! i do think you do this better than ANY fitness blog i’ve seen yet, or any BLOG, period, as a matter of fact
wow, friend. thank you so much for the awesome compliment! i always want my blog to be bigger and better, and write it for all of you to enjoy, so comments like this mean so much to me to hear i’m on the right track 🙂
hope you’re enjoying the new year!
xoxo
Every source I read says that goals have to be specific, but I totally agree with you that they don’t have to be.
One of my random goals for this year is to watch more movies. There are so many classic ones I haven’t seen!
This is an exciting time for us fitness bloggers and trainers. However, I also view the “resolution” ideas with caution. I think wanting to make a positive change for our health is wonderful, but we must keep it attainable. I feel that big goals should be broken down into smaller ones,so you can celebrate victories along the way! If you have 30 lbs to lose- make each 5lbs lost a victory and reward yourself – no food mind you but maybe some really cute fitness clothes, shoes, etc… it is a JOURNEY – for all of us, so we must hang in there EVERY day throughout the year. Best wishes to everyone with a fitness resolution!
Hi Gina 🙂
I have a quick question. Do you have a special recipe for your grilled salmon? I was searching your site but couldn’t find the post I had in mind you once wrote about cooking/grilling your salmon (marinated with salt, pepper, lemon?).
By the way, I looooove your blog!! My every day must-read 🙂
Rommie
thank you, rommie!
i make season it a little differently each time depending on what we’re eating, but it’s so good with soy sauce/tamari, fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, ginger, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne
i just rub the marinade over the fish, pan sear on HIGH for about 30-45 secs, skin side up, then flip it onto a baking dish (skin side down) and bake at 375 for about 15 min
xoxo
Hope it’s not too late! Here is my inspiration board! 🙂
http://pinterest.com/alicia_flor/inspiration-board/
I am in total agreement about the term resolution. My motto has always been if you want to change, start now, don’t wait.
I enjoy setting goals for the year. I think it is a much more enjoyable way to approach it and always fun to check in a few times a year to see where you are at with them. A few of mine are:
– getting rid of the scale and tracking food – creating more harm than good
– run my first marathon 1/27
– then my second 5/6
– then a 50K 5/26
– sub 1:50 half marathon
– attempt to let go of my schedule a bit and be more spontaneous
1. I am officially pescatarian, so maintaining that is huge.
2. no more complaining about how fat/ugly I am, just do something about it!
3. secret…haha
Okay I have tried to post a comment with my inspiration board about a million times, and it just won’t post 🙁 I don’t understand!
that’s so weird- all of your other comments are showing up. it’s not in spam. let me see if i can track it down
xoxo
I dislike ‘resolution’, too. And I really dislike when people try to make “resolute” a verb! You would resolve to make changes, not resolute to make changes.
I think it’s important for goals to focus on the person’s inputs, the only part of the equation they control. Like don’t resolve to lose 10 lbs. in Jan. You can’t really control that. You can resolve instead to do X workouts and eat Y calories or whatever. Weight loss is an output and happens on its own schedule.
I have the same stigma about the word “resolution” — definitely doesn’t sound promising to me. I love seeing a few extra people at the gym because I know they’re doing something good for they’re health, but it makes me so sad to see that extra group fizzle out after just a few weeks!
I agree! People should not wait to make changes in their life. In my opinion the right time is always now and today. Why wait if it’s for the better?