Yes, once again I realize that desperate times call for desperate measures. After training for and running a 10-mile race last year, I sprained my ankle. What a great reason excuse to take a break from running. Whoops – it’s now been five months, and I’ve run no more than a dozen times: a far cry from at least three runs a week. Now. . . let the challenge begin.
Goal setting is, indeed, a lovely thing. Goals provide motivation to achieve something important – as long as the goals are challenging, realistic, and meaningful. For me, setting a goal to swim, bike, or run fits the bill on all three counts:
Challenging: I am the perfect example of the theory that objects at rest tend to stay at rest. I can easily park myself down with a good book and just dig deeper into a comfy chair for hours at a time. I’ll also be traveling a bit during the month of April so I’ll have to schedule ahead of time how I’m going to carve out time to get my exercise on. Swimming is not my thing, and I’ve avoided the pool for a couple of years now, so it’ll be back to the water for me! I also generally build in rest days, so this will be a bit different for me.
Realistic: I’ve trained for a 10-mile run and sprint triathlons, so I know I can set a goal around athletic achievements and meet that goal. This challenge also fits perfectly with the SMART goal-setting model. The goals are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely. Another key to ensuring success is that I’ve also got an accountability partner to make sure I stay on track. Excel spreadsheet documenting progress is ready to go. Game on!
Meaningful: Once I get in the groove for training, I’m soooo much more productive at work and home. I feel better, sleep better, work better, play better.
Planning this April Fool’s Challenge, I realized that I approached it the same way I would approach setting goals for my business. Make the plan. Work the plan. Celebrate the results.
Do you have a different approach for work and personal life goals? Let me know how you motivate yourself to achieve personal and professional goals in the comments below or contact me directly here. Better yet, join me with a challenge of your own in April and keep me posted on your progress!
