Goal setting is one of the most over looked aspects of life. People are not critical enough of themselves, afraid to be held accountable for their actions, and choose poor goals.

How to set GOOD Goals:

1.)    Define your goal, broad goals are fine. (e.g. gain muscle)
2.)    Redefine your goal. (gain 15 lbs of muscle)
3.)    Analyze your limiting factors. (not eating enough calories, post-workout nutrition, not enough fat in your diet)
4.)    Choose a date you want to goal achieved by.
5.)    Create a plan of action, be precise. (prepare 6 meals the day before so you don’t miss a meal, eat 500 more calories a day, have a shake sitting in my car for after the gym ready to drink)
6.)    Make yourself accountable: post a sign on your fridge or on a wall, tell your friends, do anything that will remind you that goal is important enough to make it a daily priority.
7.)    Start Now, Not tomorrow.
8.)    Surround yourself with positive people, who are willing to help you with your goals.
9.)    Re-assess the plan every week or two.

When dealing with body composition, try to keep perspective that your body can only lose or gain so much weight in a given time (most experts agree anywhere between 0.25-1 lb a week). So when setting a date, make sure it is physiologically possible to achieve that goal, do not set yourself up for failure.

Gains may come sporadically, but do not allow a slip in your progress. If you have set a goal of 1 lb every 2 weeks of muscle, 6 weeks from your start date 2 lbs of an increase would not be acceptable, thus needing to reassess your plan of action.

Finding people who will be supportive in your quest to achieve lofty goals can make or break your success. Don’t allow negativity to distract you from what you believe is attainable… what kind of friend puts down their friends anyways?

Just about anything is possible as long as you have a plan and work hard enough at it. If you are failing on your own, find an expert or a friend with more experience and knowledge in the area your trying to improve upon. Asking for help is not a weakness, as long as you adhere to the advice given.

This system can be applied to all aspects of life; don’t limit it to training and nutrition.