How To Bring Your Goals To Life In 3 Easy Steps

Take Photos

It may be daunting and scary, or even embarrassing and excruciating, but taking photos is the single best way to get an idea of where you are now and how you’re progressing. Weight on a scale will only tell you so much. It’s no good your weight dropping if you still look exactly the same.

Even clothes size isn’t one hundred percent reliable, because not all manufacturers use the same measurements and some clothes are fairly stretchy.

Take full body front, back and side photos wearing a swimsuit or sports clothes that let you see a detailed outline of your body. Do this now, before doing anything else. Then every month on the same date, take the photos again. Make sure you stand in the same place, wear similar clothes and try to get the lighting as close as possible to the originals.

Any other progress measures don’t seem real, but photos really bring your goals to life.

Work with a Trainer

There’s nothing like someone with knowledge and experience giving you a kick up the behind to make you work harder, stay motivated and reach your goals.

Training on your own can be a lonely experience, and if you’re not used to gyms, it’s very difficult to decide what route to take with your workout. While training with a friend is an option, there is a danger you’ll end up spending more time talking than training. Plus, if neither of you has much gym experience, then you’re both as lost as each other. Finally, if your friend decides to ditch their goals, you'll feel like you have an excuse to do the same.

A good trainer, however, can help you visualize your goals and see real progress. They’re not just useful for learning exercise techniques and planning your workout either. By hiring a trainer you’re making a commitment and there’s no excuse for skipping sessions. They should also be experienced and knowledgeable enough to get you results faster than you would on your own.

Talk to the trainers at your gym and ask them what they could do for you, how they’ll help you succeed with your resolutions and ask to see pictures and Testimonials from their previous or current clients.

Form a Group

Social support is a massive factor in whether or not you achieve your goals.

As much as you’d like your spouse, children, parents, siblings, friends and work colleagues to support you, they’ve all got other things going on in their lives. They probably do want you to succeed, but your goals aren’t their priorities, so their support can often be limited.

By getting together with others who have similar goals however, you create an environment where everyone is one the same page and while your goals may be different, you can easily put yourselves in each other’s shoes. Sharing your progress will help your support group buddies stay on track, and they'll happily return the favor.

If you’re not able to form a group, then taking a gym class is the next best thing. Chances are they’ll be others there who’re looking for the same things you are and can help you overcome obstacles, work through barriers and reach your goals quicker.