The Importance of Short-term Goals and Long-term Goals
Posted on 26th August 2020 at 10:00
Goals are equally as important and helpful to the therapist as they are to you. They help give us an indication as to whether the treatment we are providing you is effective or needs to be looked at again. Whereas for you, they act as a guide, give you a sense of direction, and allow you to find what is actually important to you.
Goal setting will help guide your focus, encourage you to sustain momentum, and will trigger a continuing change in behaviour.
Typically, your long-term goal will be made up of several, easily achievable short-term goals which fit together to make a whole.
Short-term goals keep you focused and adhering to your long-term goals. If we’re constantly aiming towards a large goal without knowing how to get there, we will give up more easily and the long-term goal becomes even more unlikely and appears harder to reach.
An example of a short-term goal would be to complete 3 exercise classes per week, whereas your long-term goal may be to lose 5 stone in in 12 months.
Whatever your goal, it is always handy to make them SMART goals
Specific
WHAT do you want to achieve?
E.g. Lose 5 stone in body fat
Measurable
HOW will I know when I have achieved this?
E.g. weekly weight measurement diary
Achievable
CAN I really achieve this goal and how will I do it?
E.g. Daily food diaries, measure my calorie intake, ensure I burn more calories than I eat, attend 3 exercise classes per week
Relevant
Is this worthwhile? Is this what I really want to do? Will this make me happy?
Time bound
When can I achieve this goal?
E.g. 12 months
What are your long-term health and fitness goals? We’d love to help you to support them, whilst getting your body in tip-top condition. Get in touch to discuss how we can help you.
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