1. Know Your Goals
By now, most of us have heard the benefits of making goals that are S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely). You can find our downloadable S.M.A.R.T goals worksheet here.
SMART is a good system, but what it really boils down to is this: before you begin, know what you want to achieve, create a timeline to help you get there, and don’t set yourself up for failure.
For example, you might want to achieve 10% body fat in the next six months but, based on your genetics and body type, it might not be realistic for you.
We suggest you make your fitness goals action-oriented, because those are things you can control. To succeed at an action goal, all you need to do is show up and do the work. Examples include “Exercise three times a week for the next three months,” or “Run a 10K,” or “Complete 10 chin-ups unassisted.” Those are action goals.
Achieving those goals is completely within your control, no matter what your age or genetics.