Fitness is a beautiful thing that can change every aspect of your life in a positive way, but most never take the time to figure out what it is they want out of it. Taking the time to set the goal might make all the difference — especially for women. Its time to learn how to set goals effectively, so that you can push your limits and start seeing the changes you want. Read on to find out how..

Start NOW: Don’t need to wait until New Year’s Eve, when you’re sipping champagne and picking a suitable candidate for a midnight pash to set goals. Grab your diary and pen and start asap….no, not Monday, NOW.

Define What You Want: Don’t just say, “I want to lose weight” or “I want to get lean”. This is the beauty in fitness, it doesn’t need to end with achieving a defined 6-pack. Once that box is checked, move on and start conquering the next goal!

Goals Must Be Measurable: You need to be able to measure your goal. For example weighing yourself, body fat testing, or doing some kind of fitness assessment. Keep a record of everything you’re doing to achieve your goal (e.g. training, diet, goals). It may sound time consuming, but you need a way to measure that success as you achieve it.

Goals Must Be Achievable: Set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t expect to drop 10KGs in 21 days or to run a marathon in that time frame. Don’t set yourself up for failure before you even start. As I say… check yourself before you wreck yourself!

Goals Must be Timed: Goals are dreams with a deadline. Set a specific and realistic time to hit them.

Know your Road Blocks: We all have them. Think of the last 3 excuses you had for not working out (e.g. too tired, not enough time in the day, too sore). Your fitness goals will come true only if you work on addressing these issues first.

Make Sacrifices: What can you do daily to achieve these goals and what are you willing to give up right now?

Let your Peeps Know: Not only will this hold you accountable, it will also help you find out who really does want you to succeed. People who want to see you succeed will be encouraging and optimistic. The doubters will fill you with negative energy. Once you identify them, try your best to stay clear, at least until you have your revenge body!

Take Daily Action: What’s the first step that you can make right now to put you on your path towards your goal? It’s the small daily steps that will create the momentum needed to keep you focused and on track.

If you stay true to these tips, you will start to see success on your fitness journey as well as in other areas of your life.