Concrete goals, focus lead to sports success

Specificity has become an important societal aspect in recent years. In the United States we are fortunate to have the ability to choose from a wide selection of products and services. Gradually, things have become more specific to satisfy individual wants and desires. As a result, professionals choose to build careers in highly specialized areas where they can be among a select group of experts. In accordance with the rest of society, the fitness industry has given birth to many segments of the field. \nSpecialists exist in unique areas, such as nutrition, supplementation, performance, bodybuilding, strength training, injury prevention, etc. Take advantage of the information provided by these focused experts to meet your own needs and ignore what is irrelevant. \nStay focused! \nApproach fitness in a similar fashion to important aspects of your life, such as work, education and family life. In most cases, hard work will be necessary to earn success. \nThe first step to achieving any goal is setting it within a well-defined framework. In other words, it is time to get specific. Putting a mission in writing is what transforms a dream into a goal. For our purposes, we need to have a detailed indication of the task at hand.\nMany people attempt to set a goal by making a broad statement such as, "I want to get stronger or leaner." Well, what does this mean? \nWe can all have a different concept according to this vague definition. You must set measurable goals; for example, decreasing body fat from 10 to 8 percent in three weeks. This requires a body composition test, which can be performed at most gyms. Caliper tests are the most consistent method , using a simple tool to measure skin folds at certain sites to generate input for an equation. Try to have the same test done under similar conditions over time to ensure consistency. Taking tests at different times of the day or with rotating practitioners might lead to inaccurate results. \nA specific time frame is also required for goals; otherwise many people tend to procrastinate or take too long to realize they have hit a roadblock. Let's say you are not able to lose the amount of body fat you had hoped. Should you go on forever hopelessly? No. Provide an adequate amount of time and if the results do not arrive, a change in approach and methods is required. Similarly, a time frame allows you to move on to a new productive focus at a specific point.\nLook hard at goals to decide if they are realistic and attainable. At first, I suggest taking a conservative approach. Many authors list an expectation, such as losing 1-2 pounds of body fat per week, or adding 40 pounds to the bench press per month. Expecting to lose 20 pounds of body fat while putting on 10 pounds of lean muscle mass in a month is not realistic for most. Unrealistic goals might cause people to progress backward. To achieve the above goal a person might overtrain in an effort to do the impossible. \nWhat is a goal worth if you don't have the information to make it happen? I will be providing you with an array of information that can be applied to your fitness plan. Avoid information overload by sticking with an information source you trust. You will gradually improve your ability to identify what information sources provide the most productive results for your needs. \nYou must determine what it will take to achieve your goals. Listing the key elements for your path to success with your goals is strongly recommended. \nI always list 'No cheating' and prepare food in advance with my nutritional goals, because I know it will be a key component. By doing this, I commit to a strategy to reach my goals. \nThere is a big difference between talking the talk and walking the walk. Are you going to talk about a great plan and take no action? Or will you be one of the few people who sticks to a plan and makes things happen? In some cases, certain types of food can no longer be consumed -- consider if you are willing to stick to a plan before diving into unfamiliar waters. Is the goal worth what it will take to get there? If not, adjust accordingly.\nIn life, the true measure of a man is not about his constant rise to the top without falling; it is about his rise after he does fall. We will all fall at one point or another. It is imperative that we understand why we fail to reach goals and make adjustments based on what we have learned. \nDo not fear failure.\nNegative people typically criticize others to compensate for their own shortcomings. I suggest sharing your goals with people who will provide a positive influence. Refining your approach will take you to the "Promised Land" if you fail to reach a goal the first time. At least you will know what didn't work if you are consistent. Expect to run into barriers at certain points, and understand that major physical changes require hard work and proper preparation.