Goals

It's that time of year again when I start to reflect on the year that's been. Taking stock of what I have achieved and noting areas that were lacking. What then quickly follows are thoughts of the year to come, and how I can do better. 

This is where goals are important, they sound simple enough, just targets to be completed in the future and that contribute to a more improved version of oneself, but it's never that easy.

A number of years ago I attended a motivational talk by double European indoor gold medallist and Olympian David Gillick. He was tasked with inspiring the younger athletes in my local athletics club where I was coaching at the time. It was a really uplifting talk but what stuck with me was something he said at the very start "a goal without a plan is just a wish". 

Planning or having a system is key to achieving goals. Writing down what steps are going to get you there, setting smaller and more achievable goals along the way. Creating an environment to aid success, which can be as simple as surrounding yourself with a support network, family, friends or even a work colleague.

For 2022, I really really want to be the best runner I can be. I want my 40 something self to beat the 20 year old me. That 20 year old was a lot skinnier, he definitely had less responsibilities and his lower back, right hamstring and the arches in both feet were still in perfect working condition. 

So I've set myself some lofty time goals but they won't magically just happen, I have to create a system which will include smaller goals for feedback. I'll need to incorporate a flexibility routine, improve my diet and stop shying away from hard sessions, I find it very easy to go out and jog 5 to 8k but ask me to run 5x1k at 5k pace and I'll quickly look for excuses to opt out, not wanting to get out of my comfort zone.

I've included my wife who will most definitely keep me honest and I've the best running group around who help to keep it fun and sociable.

In trying to give ourselves every opportunity for success, we need to also look for potential traps or negative cues and remove or replace them.

For me, my sweet tooth is a big issue and as Christmas has proved, one mince pie quickly turns into three or four. I've no impulse control around sugar, so it's best to not have it in the house. I've also recently bought a lock safe for my children, so they can protect their candy stash from Dad, thankfully they understand the concept of moderation.

A few other concepts that you might find helpful is using positive language towards yourself, creating meaningful affirmations and visualising how you're going to feel when you achieve that goal, all your sacrifice and effort being rewarded with a feeling of pure joy and satisfaction and better still a new you who is still growing, learning and achieving.

Just remember when things get challenging and they will, "Obstacles are nothing more than tests designed to measure how seriously you want the rewards that your ambition seeks" , a quote by

James Clear author of Atomic Habits.

Thanks for reading, good luck with your goals and Happy New Year!