Well, 2020 is coming to a close. Finally. It was a strange and unpredictable year with a unique set of challenges both in the endurance sports world as well as life. I want to remind you of some previous tips I have shared on setting goals for the new year, as they apply now possibly more than ever!
A new year is an ideal time for setting new goals. New year’s resolutions have been a tradition that often create a false sense of commitment. These resolutions are often vague and lack a true plan to change. Things such as eating healthier, exercising more, and losing weight are often among the top trends. These resolutions often fail due to poor planning, lack of guidance, and giving up too easily.
The first step to planning a smart goal is to come up with something that scares you. Which may be that thing you talk with your friends as a passing joke but secretly think is possible. When you decide on what that is, write it down. This is your Everest, your “white whale” and although it may take years to conquer, it can be accomplished with proper planning.
The next step is creating a plan of action. Start with a few short-term goals that will be benchmarks along the way. These should be simple things that can be achieved in weeks or months with proper planning. Have a timeline for these goals and write down the outcomes in order to improve your short-term goal planning. Doing this not only increases your likelihood of successfully achieving the big goal, but it also adds frequent motivation throughout the journey.
Along the way you will inevitably encounter obstacles. Life is unpredictable and often chooses to throw us a few curveballs. One way to navigate these roadblocks is to plan for them. When you are setting your short and long-term goals write down the challenges that may arise. Maybe it’s an injury or lack of time or a million other things. Writing down and planning for challenges gives you a better strategy and takes away the sting of a small failure.
Lastly, it is important to have a team to help support you. Training partners, family, and coaches are all people that you can build your team around. Often individuals will keep goals to themselves because they are afraid of failure. By having a team, you give yourself accountability, motivation, and a sense of commitment that is unattainable at an individual level.
No matter what you want to accomplish in 2021, be sure to create a plan.
For help planning goals or sticking to them, reach out to the Trail Transformation team and make 2021 your best year yet.