No matter what your short term goal is, our long term goal is still longevity.
When I began to take my fitness journey more seriously I had a goal in mind. After my car accident and physical therapy, I gained an uncomfortable amount of weight and I just wanted it gone. I wanted to see my abs again. More importantly, I wanted to feel more mobile and athletic, like I felt before.
Some people set target based goals wanting to lose 20LBS or wanting to bench press 2ooLBS. Both are great staples but what's next? How long can we push the target goal? Do we feel accomplished then lost because we aren't sure what the next accolade will be?
A good way to avoid this feeling is to remember that though the short term goals are reached, our long term goal remains the same. To have long term mobility and strenght should still be the goal in mind.
At 36 years old, after suffering 5 herniated discs and more from a car wreck almost 6 years ago, I've abandoned a few short term goals to focus on the bigger picture. Somehow, I lift heavier than I did pre-injury. I have developed a better mind body connection for athletic movements and balance based exercises. I have focused on the repitition and discipline that sets us up for success for our short term goals, but for long term reasons. By doing this, I feel more successful throughout my fitness journey and am not just waiting for a short term goal to hype me up and boost my productivity. My vision is clearer for the long haul and I celebrate my little wins along the way.
Another game changer, and I know I've said it many times, is journaling.
Don't just keep track of your reps and sets. Focus on how you felt physically and emotionally. This dosn't have to be done every single workout. You can simply do this every few weeks and look back to see changes over time!
Logging this information will help us notice progressions and even some regressions that may go unnoticed. If you notice progressions, keep going and celebrate those wins! If you notice areas and signs of regression, don't fret and dwell on it. It's a good thing to catch on to. Study yourself, commit the errors, and celebrate your findings as a positive. It's difficult to put our egos aside and be honest with ourselves without breaking ourselves down.
In conclusion
We all have similar goals. Listen to your body and give yourself credit for your efforts. Try not to hyperfixate on things that will discredit your hard work. Be honest with yourself about areas of struggle. This fitness journey you're on is full of twists, bends, and obstacles. The process is never a linear one, so expect some pushback from the universe and give yourself grace. Know that your efforts matter, and step into your goals knowing that longevity is the key here. Better every day!
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