Have you ever thought “I want to get better at _______”? Me too. And have you ever just ‘tried working on it’ for a while, only to get frustrated, give up, and come back to the same thing a few months later? Me too. So, let’s be smart about this. Think of a goal you have. It doesn’t even need to be crossfit related. It can be to read a book a month, or travel to all 50 states, or go skydiving. The possibilities are endless and exciting to think about.
In order to reach that goal, you need to have a few things in mind. The first is the clear goal written out (I’m going with a crossfit goal here, ya’ll, sorry not sorry!): I want to do ring muscle ups. There, that’s my goal. BUT, it could be better. Let’s make it more specific. I want to do 5 unbroken ring muscle ups. That’s better. I can have a clear answer of whether or not I reach my goal.
It’s measurable.
The next step is to make sure it is realistic or attainable. If I have never done a ring muscle up before, it would be unwise for me to try to make my first goal to do 5 unbroken. But, if I have been completing 3 or 4 in a row, I can set my sights on 5. Especially when I consider the time it will take me to get there. I would allow a period of 2-3 months depending upon a) your goal b) how much time you can regularly give time to working on it.
With all these parameters in place, you will find yourself significantly reducing the stress you feel about your goals and instead reaching them again and again and setting new ones to take their place. Yes, I used the template of SMART goals but it works! It’s been proven over and over in the scientific world so why not use it in our personal lives. I will add, let someone know your goal so you can stay accountable. It’s more fun with friends!