Setting the Goal!

The next step in getting yourself into shape is to figure out what you are looking for.  Everyone talks about goals, but what they really have are wishes.  There are several key differences between the two, and they determine where you end up. 
   Step number 1: Know where you are.  It doesn't help to create a plan if you don't have a realistic understanding of where you are now.  You can't plan a trip to Disney if you don't know where you are starting from.  What you are capable of doing today will determine how intense your plan needs to achieve the goals you are after.  Notice, I did not say where you can go.  You just need to know where you are to know how much thrust will need to be in your engines to get your tail to the altitude you are reaching for.
   Step number 2:  Figure out exactly where you want to go.  We all have made "goals" in the past, usually right around the 1st of January, and then we forget about them for 11 1/2 months until it's time to start them again.  I firmly believe that anyone can accomplish anything if they set their mind to it.  But you have to know EXACTLY what you want.  It isn't enough to say I want to lose weight.  How much weight do you need to lose to get into the shape you want?  What size clothing do you want to wear?  Where do you want your body fat to be?  Getting in shape is an idea but not necessarily a goal.
   Step number 3:  WRITE IT DOWN!!!!!  A goal that is not written down is a dream.  Yale University did a study in the 50s and one of the questions they asked their graduates was do you have written goals with a plan for their achievement.  When they followed up with the surviving graduates 40 years later, they found the 3% that had written goals were happier, healthier and more successful than their classmates, and were worth more financially than the other 97% of their class COMBINED!  Still doubt the power of the written word?
     The goals should be written in the positive frame, " I will" as if it is already complete, and should have a definite end date.  If it is a large goal, such as to lose 100lbs, include incremental targets and give yourself rewards for hitting them, say every 10 pounds you will get a massage.  That will help keep you on track.
   Step number 4:  Get Leverage.  All goals should include a list of reasons;  why you will get the goal, and what will be the negative consequences if you don't.  The human nervous system is programmed to avoid pain, so showing it the negative impacts of not making the goal will do more to keep you on track than the straight desire.  Also, share your goals with people.  Tell them what you are going to accomplish and why.  The more people who know where you are going, the more that will help lead the way when you get tired, and the more that will help celebrate when you succeed!
     Step number 5:  GO!  Get started.  Once you have your goal written down, don't leave your seat until you do something to start you on the track.  If it is to get in shape, find a gym and set up an appointment, or locate a trainer that you can speak with, or just plain get up and go for a walk and see how good it feels to move and breath in the direction of your dreams.