How to Write Successful Exercise Goals

"I'm going to exercise three times per week." How often has that statement, or something similar, been on your To Do List? I see this a lot with clients. They usually tell me that it requires tremendous discipline or willpower or scheduling.

What if it was easy? Can you believe that adding just one word could make this effortless?
This goal is stated in, mostly, success oriented language. It is measurable - three times per week. And measuring by a number of times per week allows flexibility. What happens of it's Friday and you haven't exercised? Well, you could do a double workout on one day and still make your goal. If you'd writte
"I'm going to exercise on Monday, Thursday and Saturday" you might not meet the goal if something unexpected occurred on any one of those days.
The goal is stated in future tense ("I'm going to exercise" as opposed to "I exercise.") When we state goals in the present tense, we have more ownership. The goal is more immediate. Say the goal outloud - in present tense and future tense - and notice how you feel and how it sounds to you.
Another important aspect of writing goals is to notice the emotional components. So...when you're exercising, what would you like to experience? Do you want to joyfully exercise? Zestfully? Do you want to exercise three times per week experiencing the strength of your body? Or maybe reconnecting to your body?
What is your intention for exercising? Why are you exercising? Is it to release stress (and increase relaxation - remember we like to focus on what is not what isn't)? Some people exercise to feel good. I know that I have more energy when I do cardio exercise regularly. My yoga practice gives me flexibility, not only in my body, but also in my life. It connects me to the strength in my body and emphasizes the relationship that I have with my body. What does exercise do for you?
If this is confusing - or intriguing - or if you have a hard time balancing all your responsibilities so that you have time to exercise (or do the things you love), maybe learning about the Balance It All System would be helpful. This system teaches you how to balance all the areas of your life so that you experience the greatest amount of happiness. It teaches you how to consistently set yourself up for success. If you're not as happy as you can be with your life; if you feel overwhelmed trying to do it all, call me about the Balance It All System and learn how you can create a BIAS towards a happy life.