The Power of Compelling Goal Setting

 “He who has a big enough why to live for can bear almost any how.”
– Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, 19th century german philosopher

This quote pretty much sums up the power of goal setting and explains why some people achieve things that other people only ever dream about. Everytime I hear or read this quote, my immediately reflect on a 14 week period at the beginning of 2009. At that time, I was fortunate to participate in a Natural Body Building Competition a large group of Vision Personal Trainers, Managers and Owners in May 2009.

Whilst my main motivation to eat well and exercise consistently for the entire 14 week journey was to avoid the embarrassment looking out of place on stage, I also learnt a great deal about what can be achieved when your goals are compelling enough. Upon reflection long after the event, I was quite surpised about the level of commitment that my collegues and I showed, especially when many of us were responsible for running businesses and raising young families at the same time.

During the preparation, 4.30am cardio sessions for two hours before work were just part of the daily routine, without too much fuss, even though I consistently went to bed well after 10.30pm each night. Similarly, saying “no” to bad food and alcohol at parties was really quite easy. I simply put this down to the quote mentioned above.

In the subsequent months after the event, without the compelling goal, suddenly it was harder, if not out of the question, to rise at that ridiculous time to exercise. Poor food choices gradually began to slip back in too. I have witnessed this happen so many times with clients over the years. Many people seek the services of a Personal Trainer to help them achieve their goals. Then when they do so, they attempt to embark of a self imposed “maintenance” plan, without their trainer. Unfortunately, without ongoing goal setting, their old habits sneak back in and before to long, they return to square one.

So my advice is to set goals that are compelling to you, for it is only then when you can achieve greatness!