Goals That Stick – How to Truly Stay Committed to Your Training

Why Real Motivation Starts with the Right Goal.

Goals move us. They get us started and ideally, they keep us going. But what if your goal does the opposite? What if it ends up demotivating you because it’s too vague, too big, or too far away? So what kind of goal actually drives you – without burning you out on the way? Let’s dive into the psychology of goals and maybe discover a new one that truly fits you!

Outcome vs. Process: The Game-Changing Shift

One of the biggest mistakes when setting goals is focusing only on the outcome – the end result. You know the type: “I want to lose 20 pounds.” “I want to run a half marathon.” “I want visible abs.” Sure, these goals paint a strong picture. We love that! But there’s a catch – they’re far away, and often depend on factors you can’t fully control. A better strategy? Focus on the process. Set behavior-based goals that move you toward the outcome. Think: “I train three times a week.” “I run 30 minutes regularly.” “I eat one more serving of veggies each day.” These are goals you can actually control, every single day. They build confidence, create momentum, and keep you in the game even if results take time.

SMART Goals: Clarity Brings Consistency

Saying “I want to get fit” sounds nice, but it’s way too vague to drive real action. That’s where the SMART method comes in – turning blurry wishes into clear direction. A SMART goal is: Specific, Measurable, Attractive, Realistic, and Time-bound. So instead of “get fit,” try this: “I’ll do a 30-minute Peloton ride three times a week… for the next four weeks.” It’s clear. It’s trackable. It’s motivating. And most importantly – it shows progress, which is fuel for your motivation. Let’s go!

Your Turn – Let’s Make It Real

Got a goal in mind? Great. Now make it SMART. Then send it to me on Instagram! Your goal is your foundation. Everything else builds on that. So let’s make sure it fits you.

When Motivation Dips – and It Will

There will be days when everything feels heavy. Stress, bad mood, tired body.. We’ve all been there. And in those moments, your goal gets put to the test. If it’s too vague or too ambitious, it’ll crumble. That’s where mindset hacks come in. Be prepared and ready for these moments!

Your Strategy for Tough Days:

Try this: Instead of saying “I have to do a full workout,” just say, “I’ll start with 10 minutes.” You’re not cheating – you’re outsmarting your resistance. And often, once you start, the rest follows naturally. A training journal can also help. Track the small wins. Celebrate them. And when your drive is low, reconnect with your why. Visualise your goal. Feel it. See it. That mental picture can reignite your fire. (For more on this – check the blog.)

Routine Beats Motivation

Motivation fades. Discipline is what stays. And discipline comes from repetition – from routine. Make your training part of your everyday life, not just something you do when you're “feeling it.” Even better? Make it part of your identity. You don’t run to lose weight: you run because you’re someone who loves to move, who looks after themselves. That mindset shift changes everything. You stop chasing random goals and start showing up out of habit. Training becomes like brushing your teeth – just part of your day. And that is the key to long-term success: consistency without constant struggle.

Discipline Isn’t an Elevator

It’s more like stairs – with breaks in between. Some days flow. Others test you. Even routines shift with life. That’s okay. If you miss a day or a week, it’s not failure. Remember how it felt when everything clicked? That feeling isn’t gone. You can get it back. You’ve done it before, so you’ll do it again.

The Power of Daily Rituals Over Short Bursts

Anyone can go hard for a few weeks. But the real game is staying consistent over time. That takes more than willpower and it takes smart planning, realistic goals, and the ability to celebrate even the small wins. Because real growth doesn’t come from intense bursts. It comes from what you do consistently. Small habits, done often, will always beat big goals you never reach.

Goals aren’t there to overwhelm you. They’re meant to help you understand yourself better! Set them right, and your training will energise you – not feel like another item on your to-do list. Stay patient. Keep it fun. Progress doesn’t happen overnight – it happens in small, steady steps.