My 2013 new year’s resolution was to transform my body. I wanted to put on some size but drop some body fat and still maintain my current level of physical fitness all at the same time.

I finally achieved my goal on December 20^th but not without some hiccups along the way. In all honesty I could have achieved my goal in half the time had I put these 6 lessons into practice earlier.

Properly identify your goals

Separate your list of goals into outcome goals and behavioural goals. My goal was actually 3 outcome goals but I failed to identify the behavioural goals. Often people set an outcome goal like losing 5 kilos in 6 weeks but don’t acknowledge that they’re going to have to do a few things differently, like not skipping the training days they’ve committed to. Only the sum of your behaviour goals will land you at your outcome goal.

Have clarity

Both outcome and behavioural goals should be specific, measurable and have a deadline.  Saying that you want to ‘put on some size’ in the New Year won’t cut it. I had to get specific and when my deadline was approaching, boy did I work hard. Where there is ambiguity, obstacles arise.

Go deeper

Now that you have your list of goals, look into the reasons why you want to achieve them. Why is it really important to you? What are the consequences of you not achieving it? And why would it worry you to not have that goal?

If the answers to those questions don’t conger any emotional response, then you won’t achieve it. Having that emotional tie to your goal will help pull you through the tough times and without it you simply won’t do what it takes.

Be practical

Don’t set yourself up for failure even before you begin. A good start is 1 goal at a time and start with the goal you feel most strongly that you can achieve. Success breeds success.

Going off track

Life is unpredictable.  Things happen.  Don’t sweat it.  If you miss a scheduled workout or over indulge at a dinner out with friends, you will still progress toward your goal. Just let it go, get back on track and ditch the guilt. It’s what you do most of the time that counts.

Get a Coach

You’ll find the process much more enjoyable and that’s what it’s all about. Get someone who’s been there and done that, or worked with people who have been there done that. Not only will you get the practical knowledge you need to achieve you goal, you’ll also be helped in one area that can seriously derail your resolution efforts, and that is your mind.

However you define yourself is who you will ultimately be. If you define yourself as an athlete, you will believe that you are an athlete. Likewise, if you define yourself as a failure, you will believe that you are a failure.  Just believing that you are capable immediately raises the glass ceiling that many of us set for ourselves.

I was fortunate to have full time access to my very own nutrition coach (my wife Tarryn) which definitely tipped the scales in my favour. Why not see if personalised nutrition coaching is for you. Hundreds of people have tried it with great success. See their stories here.

Get the body you want and be empowered in the process.

Claim YOUR FREE nutrition consultation today!