Sunday, November 19, 2006

Strategy for Success

Back in January, like most of us, you were probably coming up with your goals for the New Year. Perhaps you want to lose 10 pounds, take 15 seconds off your 5K PR, or run your first marathon. So.... how's it going?

Setting goals is just the first step to accomplishing them. Along with taking action we need to develop some management skills. If we don't, we run the risk of our goals overwhelming us. They become just another source of frustration and cause us to give up.

Here are some tips to help you be successful:

Talk about it. This makes your goal real and powerful. Tell everyone what you are doing. Find people who will hold you accountable to continue moving forward.

Don't do it alone. Create support and collaboration with people who share your common interest. Join the local running club, go to a weight watchers meeting or sign up for a spinning class at the gym.

Be consistent and you'll reap the rewards. It takes time to incorporate a new habit. Give it 90 days before you decide to let it go. You must be willing to make sacrifices to get what you want.

If you slip, regroup and start again. Don't beat yourself up if you fall. This is a good time to check in with yourself, see where you are and change your goals if you have changed. Just get moving again soon.

Chart you progress. Many runners keep track of their runs and goals with a log. Anyone can write their planned and completed actions in a day planner or notebook. Keeping track of your daily effort and accomplishments keeps you focused and committed.

Believe in yourself and your ability to get where you want to go. Enjoy what you discover on your path to achieving your goals. Most importantly, celebrate and reward yourself for each milestone you reach on your journey. by Christine Hinton

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