You have probably heard it time and time again…

To set a goal we must follow the SMART acronym. Make sure it is one that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely.

We have read it time and time again but often this framework doesn’t quite hit the mark. We have set goals following this a number of times but nothing really changes and my goals don’t really get achieved.

Why?

Taking the time to pull out the underlying reasoning, behind the goals, is something that we know is incredibly powerful. Understanding why these goals are here and what they will truly give us when we achieve them is a step that often gets overlooked. Without a why, when motivation falls short, when life commitments take priority, the intentions we had at the start are much less powerful than when we set them a few weeks or months ago.

Below we will take you through the exact framework we use as the backbone of our goal setting strategies. By looking at our goals in a different light, our ladies work towards habitual changes to facilitate action taking with a powerful WHY driving these changes.

So let’s get stuck in.

Step 1: Question and answer (honestly)

1. What is the end result you are wanting to achieve?
2. By achieving that goal, what will it actually give you?
3. What is the real reason? What will you obtain by achieving this?
4. Is there something bigger driving this goal?
5. Have you been chasing this goal before?
6. If yes: what kicked you off course?
   If no: what may kick you off course?

During this initial step we are wanting to open into some honest stuff with ourselves. It is a step that is so important. If we cannot answer these questions (and often many others) first any goals that are set may fall down soon enough because the underlying drive is not understood. We may set goals that are not real to us and then wonder why our actions fall short. Take the time to understand WHY you are chasing what you are chasing.

Step 2: Be Do Have

Who do you need to be in order to achieve the goal you are after?

Zig Ziglar is famous for his BE + DO = HAVE model.

You have to focus who you need to be in order to do the things you need in order to have the result you are after.
So often, we have seen the focus on the HAVE, the result. Without focusing on the person behind the result, we simply cannot evolve and create the skill sets needed to obtain the result. We must make the switch and focus on who we need to BEcome. By understanding our weaknesses and strengths, we can then create milestones along the way with action plans in place. The DO part of this equation will start to become so much clearer and tangible as we address our short falls. When we switch the game and look at who we need to BECOME, steps and tasks to add to our action plan become much clearer to identify.

If you are completely lost and don’t know where to start, look at someone that you know of that has achieved what you wish to obtain. When you have identified someone that you trust and respect, mould your BE DO HAVE model against them.

What type of person are they?

Look at the following 4 Pillars of Performance categories to help you dissect what makes this person successful in her own endeavours:

4 Pillars of Performance:
1.  Mindset
2.  Nutrition
3.  Recovery
4.  Training

They are consistent with their training.
They are vulnerable with themselves and others (not just surface answers).
They ask for help when they are unsure.
They focus on consuming a high vegetable diet first and foremost.
They arrive early to their session to warm up and release tight muscles.

Step 3: 90 Day Action Plan

Once we have worked through Step 1 and Step 2 we are now in a better position to start setting and determining tangible actions.

Below is our 90 Day Action Plan table (also attached for you to print).

It is not a set and forget. Put it in your diary, on your fridge, in your planner, somewhere that you frequently look. Initial actions are set at the start of a 90 day block and a full revision is done every 90 days there in after.

Using the work you completed in Step 1 and Step 2, you will now be in a position where:
1.  You understand (or are closer to) the driving force and the WHY behind what you want to achieve.
2.  You have thought about who you need to BE in order to DO the things you need in order to HAVE the result you are after. Either by assessing yourself or using someone else to model behaviour off, the 4 Pillars of Performance has given you a starting point to address behaviours and actions that have helped that person become successful.

With that goal in your mind lets start creating our action plan from here.

COLUMN 1:
Using your thoughts from Step 2, write down the area that you wish to improve on.

COLUMN 2:
Giving a rating of 1-7, ask yourself how you are doing now. Be honest with yourself.

COLUMN 3:
From here, what actions do you need to do to make that rating higher? Unsure? Think about what the person that has been successful may do to address that area of improvement.

Remember: who do you need to BE in order to influence the behaviour change you are after in order to DO the things you are after to HAVE the end result.

COLUMN 4:
Knowing yourself, your lifestyle, your behaviours, what obstacles and roadblocks may appear along the way. Will you get tired at the end of the day and skip a session? Will you leave food prep too late on a Sunday and not do it? Will you be too hard on yourself and say what’s the point?

COLUMN 5:
What evidence will you need to know to see, to prove your positive growth?
Will you be able to tick off how many sessions you have completed that month?
Will you be able to look at video recorded lifts on your phone and see how much your stability in your knees has improved in your squats?

Take your time with this process.
Go to a cafe or the park and sit and think.
Come back to it and make sure this plan is specific to you.

Setting an Action Plan is something that can feel like a huge task. The more and more you do this process, the more streamlined it becomes and the easier you switch into action taking mode.

When you get to reassess your set plan at the end of the 90 day block, highlight your achievements, tick off your actions and reflect on what has been achieved. That is an exciting feeling!

If you are stuck along the way, hit email (below) and let me know what step you are up to and we can go from there!

Here’s to you babe, get stuck in!