Goal Setting for 2009


Well, it seems like the year only started just yesterday, but time flies and 2008 is drawing to a close.
Was it a good year? Despite lackluster economic times, it wasn’t all that bad.

While 2008 may not go down in the history books as mankind’s most prosperous year, it has given us all an opportunity to take a step back and reassess our priorities. What is important? What is really required for fulfillment? For some, the answer will legitimately be the fancy new car or an addition to the house. For the overwhelming majority of us, however, what we really want is to simply be happy - live a good life. And I have a feeling that in 2009, we will see a growing number of people looking for self-improvement, and seeing health and fitness as a top priority.

So what are your goals? What are the things that you would like to accomplish in the coming year? 2009 will be one of the most important years of your life - make whatever you want closer to reality.
My top 5 fitness goals for 2009 are (in no particular order):

  • Get 40+ consecutive pull-ups
  • Achieve a 900 Crossfit total (1RM back squat + deadlift + shoulder press)
  • 30 second handstand by Summer
  • 21 minute 5km run by end of Summer
  • Enter 10km race - break 45 minutes
  • 3 weeks straight 100% strict zone diet, adhere to a moderate paleo philosophy for the rest
  • Take 2 fitness courses by September
  • Attend more yoga classes - increase flexibility - be able to put palms on floor with legs straight by November
  • 3 reps bodyweight overhead squat by end of Summer - work on 1RM clean\jerks
  • 15 consecutive ring muscle-ups by December

Goals shouldn’t be easy, but they should be achievable. Keep that in mind when you’re thinking about your own. Unachievable goals set you up for failure which leads to discouragement, frustration and loss of motivation.  Set timelines for your goals and think about what actions are necessary to reach them.

Goal setting should be something that we all do - and not just for fitness and health.  Educational, financial, social and family goals are also extremely important. There Are few things better than goal achievement for yielding positive change in our lives and providing motivation to continue the positive trends.  Set some goals; strive for them; check them off one by one.  Make 2009 your greatest year yet.