The Importance Of Setting Goals

Goals serve as a critical foundation for motivation and direction, providing all of us with a sense of purpose and that all important focus

Without clearly defined goals, it becomes really difficult to maintain any sort of fitness programme over an extended period, whether the end game is running a distance event, like a marathon, or weight loss. Without this focus it is very easy to 'drift' and the motivation for regular exercise can disappear as quickly as it arrived.

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When beginning a fitness journey it's important to have specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART) goals. These goals will enhance your programme and make sure you stick to it!

So why do you really need these important goals?

Structure training

Goals help create a structured training plan, ensuring that your workouts have a real purpose and are aligned with your objectives. They also provide a framework for evaluating progress, allowing individuals to celebrate milestones and adjust their plans as necessary. Without these benchmarks, it is easy to lose sight of progress, which can lead to frustration and ultimately, a loss of motivation. Training plans are so incredibly important. Without a well constructed plan, and the motivation that comes from sticking to it, your training can head off course very quickly. Check out our training plans here.

Manageable steps

Goals help to break down the often overwhelming process of improving fitness, training for an event or weight loss into manageable steps. Training for a marathon can seem a very long way off at the start of the training plan, but training for a 5k less so. Then it's a 10k, then a 10 miler and so on. Break down the long term goals into small chunks and it's so much easier. Each achievement along the way can boost confidence and reinforce the desire to continue. Don't focus too much on the long term goal, think about the next short term goal.

Progress tracking

Having specific goals allows you to track your progress over time, making it easier to see improvements and stay committed. The use of fitness trackers can make such a difference, but having them linked to interim, short term goals is hugely important. Tick off each step and regularly check back on your progress. The encouragement and motivation from seeing your progress over time can really help motivate.

Always train use a structured training plan

Accountability

Having goals can create a sense of accountability, making it more likely that you'll stick to your fitness regimen. Starting a programme with the goal of 'I'm running to get fit' is great but what does it actually mean? How can you measure your progress? Having a specific goal makes it so much easier to track how you're getting on and making progress. Training for a 5k is a great example of a goal that is linked to 'running to get fit'. The former is far easier to track and you're far more likely to stick to a training plan. With a vague, non-specific goal it's far easier to lose motivation.

Personal growth

Goals allow you to challenge yourself and will help you grow as a runner. This might mean you are able to run further, or faster. Without the structure that goals bring it's much more difficult to make improvements that ultimate enable you to progress. We all know someone who does the same circuit regularly, but doesn't improve or achieve a great deal. With goals it's very likely you won't fall into this trap.

Personal achievements

Achieving running goals can boost your confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment. The mental health benefit of achieving goals is also huge. Ticking off steps along the way to a major goal is one element of this, but that feeling of getting to the 'finish line' is unparalleled. Whether that be your target weight, or crossing the line on The Mall at the end of the London Marathon, it's an unforgettable moment that will more than likely lead you to want more.

Motivation

We all need motivation when we're on a fitness programme, especially if it involves being outdoors on a cold and wet winter night. No goal is likely to mean no session on days like this. With a goal you know you can't skip sessions and you are far more likely to tackle the elements. Getting home after a wet and cold run is a great feeling and that feeling itself can drive you forwards, but if you don't have a goal you may not have gone in the first place.

Fundraising

Consider adding a fundraising goal to your fitness programme. You may be running on a entry owned by a charity in a major event and then you won't have any choice, but if you're not and you have your own entry then why not consider raising some funds for your favourite charity. Check out our fundraising section here. This added focus maybe just what you need!

Runners celebrating at the end of Run Falmouth half marathon in aid of Cornwall Hospice Care

The importance of setting goals. What next?

Establishing and revisiting fitness goals regularly is crucial for anyone looking to maintain their fitness journey successfully. If you're running a distance event, like a marathon, then make sure you set yourself another goal before that event. If you don't then the chances are you'll find it really hard to get started again. It might well be that you started out only wanting to run one race, but can you imagine losing all the benefits of getting yourself in marathon shape and letting it all slip? Why not aim for a 10k, or a half marathon overseas? Or if you didn't fundraise in your first event, why not have that as your goal next time? Never forget the importance of setting goals.