Personal goals are a way for me to focus my direction in life and fun way for me to keep track of activities, health stats, and personal achievements. I used to set unattainable goals that weren't smart or helpful. Now, I set goals in a much more logical sense that are both attainable and challenging while remaining flexible.
Current Goals:
- Prepare to backpack this fall - drop some weight, increase cardio, etc.
- Plan for an affordable trip w/ my BFF - sometime at the end of summer or fall that fits in to our busy schedules and doesn't cost a fortune
- Hike 400 miles this year - which would almost double what I did in 2017 (hike your own hike, people)
- Get back to the Olympic Peninsula this fall/winter, if an affordable option can be found for a long weekend
- Lose 34 lbs by my 34th birthday, which is just over 6 months (a work in progress)
- Fit into the puffy vest I bought that's a little too tight, by winter
- Drink enough water to feel hydrated, daily
- Stop using online shopping and eating as therapy for stressful days
Not everything goes as planned, but as long as I have the goals I have a path to get back to if I stray too far one way or another. One day I may eat too much or not drink enough water, but I can correct that action and try again. It may rain and prevent a hike or outdoor exercise, but I have other days or an indoor gym to use as a backup. Travel may never be affordable enough in the time constraints of life, but we can always find something less exciting to work for our trip if necessary to hang out for a weekend. I can always keep going and so can you.
My words of wisdom: work towards your goals, set them accordingly, and don't beat yourself up if you have to change the plan to get to them. Setting smaller goals, or levels of achievement towards a final goal, can really help break it down and make it seem less daunting overall. Be realistic, yet push yourself to a new level. (I'll be taking my own advice here, by the way)
If you've read this, I hope you have a great week ahead, thanks for stopping by! - Mike