Why Your Goals Matter More Than You Think
We’ve all said it. I want to lose weight. I want to get fit. Sounds solid, right? Wrong. These statements are as clear as a foggy windshield in a rainstorm. They lack urgency, clarity, and most importantly—substance.
Here’s the thing: The first thought that popped into your head when you said I want to lose weight or I want to get fit? That is your real reason. The WHY. The deep reason. Maybe it was I don’t want to feel sluggish anymore or I want to be able to play with my kids without getting winded.
The goal itself is just the tip of the iceberg. What lies beneath is what actually drives you to commit. If you don’t dig deeper, your motivation will fizzle out faster than your enthusiasm for that New Year’s gym membership.
Let’s fix that.
Why You Keep Giving Up (And How to Stop)
1. Your Brain Needs Clarity to Stay Consistent
Your brain thrives on precision. It needs something to latch onto, something tangible. Vague goals are like trying to hit a dartboard in a pitch-black room.
A goal like lose weight has no edges. No framework. No clear direction. Instead, shift it into something like:
- “Lose 10 pounds in 12 weeks by tracking my macros and strength training 4x per week.”
- “Run a 10K race in three months, not for a specific time, but to prove to myself that I can stick to a plan.”
- “Train for the CrossFit Open, not to win, but to focus on double-unders and improving my endurance.”
See the difference? These goals have a timeline, an output, and a built-in structure to guide progress.
2. You Haven’t Created a System (Which is Why You Burn Out)
Most people set a goal, sprint towards it with reckless enthusiasm, and then crash into a wall of burnout.
The problem? No system. No structure. Just pure, chaotic willpower that depletes faster than your phone battery on 1%.
Instead of relying on motivation (which is flakier than that one friend who always cancels plans), you need systems:
- If your goal is to get stronger, your system might be: “Follow a progressive overload strength program, track my lifts weekly, and prioritize sleep and recovery.”
- If your goal is to run a 10K, your system could be: “Follow a structured 3x-per-week running plan, incorporate one long run weekly, and cross-train to prevent injuries.”
Systems are what turn goals from fleeting desires into inevitable results.
Talk to a coach today and build a system that works for you.
Why You Should Set an External Goal (Instead of Just Wanting to ‘Get Fit’)
A massive mistake people make? Setting goals that are too internal.
Here’s what I mean:
If your only goal is to get fit, that goal is open-ended. It’s vague. It lacks an endpoint, which means there’s nothing keeping you accountable. But when you set an external goal, something changes.
Think about these:
- A wedding: You know someone who suddenly got serious about fitness because they wanted to look their best in wedding photos.
- A first responder fitness test: They needed to pass or their career was on the line.
- Hyrox, CrossFit Open, or a 10K race: Not because they wanted to win, but because it gave them a concrete reason to follow a structured plan.
Having a real-world event on the horizon keeps you locked in. It gives you urgency.
Instead of “I want to get stronger,” you train for an upcoming powerlifting meet.
Instead of “I want to improve endurance,” you sign up for a Hyrox event that forces you to develop it.
When you commit to something external, suddenly, skipping workouts feels different. Half-assing a session isn’t an option. The urgency is real.
Set an external goal with the help of a coach. Book a Consult now.
The Unexpected Benefits of Setting the Right Goals
Here’s the wild part: When you set goals the right way, the benefits go far beyond just reaching the goal itself.
1. You Learn to Build Systems That Work in Every Area of Life
Once you nail the process of goal-setting in fitness, you start applying it everywhere. Your career. Your finances. Your personal development. Suddenly, everything has structure and intention.
2. You Stay Committed Even When Motivation Fades
Because you’re focused on a process, not just a fleeting desire. You don’t need motivation to train when you have a commitment you made to yourself.
3. You Create a Blueprint for Future Success
Once you succeed at one structured goal, you realize you can do it again. And again. Until setting and achieving goals becomes second nature.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we hit a wall. If you find yourself constantly spinning your wheels, feeling overwhelmed, or unsure of how to structure your plan, it’s time to bring in a coach. Having a knowledgeable expert in your corner ensures you’re following the right steps and staying accountable.
The Takeaway: Your Goals Need More Substance
If your goals aren’t clear, you’ll struggle to stick with them.
So here’s your challenge:
- Write down a goal that actually matters to you. Not just get fit or lose weight. Dig deeper. Why does this matter to you?
- Make it tangible. Add a timeline, a measurable output, and a system.
- Pick an external event to work towards. A race. A competition. A fitness test. Something real.
- If you’re struggling to stay on track or feeling lost in the process, it might be time to hire coach. A coach can provide clarity, accountability, and the right strategy to help you break through barriers and achieve your goals. Book a Consult now.
- The key to lasting fitness success isn’t some magical motivation hack. It’s having a goal that demands your best—and a plan to make sure you give it.