That’s what Stephen Covey wrote in “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” Motivation, desire, and constant steps towards a goal are key to success. We use goal setting in other parts of our lives, so why not for obtaining the physique we desire?  If you don’t use goal setting and have a hard time getting motivated to workout, then give it a try.  Here are some ideas:

1. What the mind can conceive the body can achieve

This means you should have a firm mental image of what you want to look like. Is it a six pack you’re after? If so, you should have a picture of the body you are working towards. Maybe it’s a picture of you in that prom dress back in high school? Pull it out and dust it off.

2. Put a date to your goal

Put a definite date as to when you will achieve your goal

3. Make a short list of things you will do to reach your goal

Plan your workouts a week in advance and review them

Plan your meals out to insure you are eating the correct foods and proportions

4. Review the image and your list twice daily

Now you have a picture of what you want your body to look like and a list of things you will do to meet your goal. You need to review this picture and the list first thing in the morning when you get up as well as right before you go to bed.  It is important for you to find a quiet place so to read your list out load and look at your picture. Hearing your voice saying the words will help tune the brain into your goal.

Here’s an example what that list might look like:

By December 1, 2009 I will have the same waist size I had in high school: 34 inches. I will achieve this by following this plan:

1. I will follow my workout plan outlined for each week

2. I will eat the correct 30-40-30 proportions of proteins, carbohydrates & fats at each meal

3. I will use low glycemic index choices for carbohydrates

4. I will eat smaller meals 6 times per day

As you read this list and view the picture, you should imagine yourself already achieving the goal. After you read the goal and look at the picture, close your eyes and picture yourself meeting your goal and what that will feel like. By reinforcing these goals and believing that you are already there, you will find yourself doing the necessary things to achieve your goal in your day to day life.

This is not a new principle. The steps I mention above have been written about by several authors. It is the basis for many books, including:

• “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill -  While Mr. Hill wrote this book specifically to achieve financial goals, these principles can be used for all aspects in life
• “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne

So, THINK AND GET FIT!

Richard

Tags: fitness motivation, psychology of fitness, workout motivation

This entry was posted on Monday, June 8th, 2009 at 10:27 PM and is filed under Motivation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.