Genre: Opinion/Argumentation

I honestly cannot believe that it's November already. It's completely outrageous! Where does the time go? I sit back and reflect on the year of 2012, more focused than ever. I have learned so much this year about not only myself, but also about the reoccurring challenges and frustrations of those I come in contact with. I question, why do so many of us struggle to reach our health and fitness goals when there is so much knowledge and information readily available for integration into our lives? As time passes, from days to weeks to months, I have learned it is about having clear goals and moving ever forward. It is also about having the patience and the belief that you can achieve your goals... and I don't just mean believing, I mean truly believing. We need to have goals- that specific motivation driving us so we make choices that are congruent with our personal development. Having set goals will ensure you develop the vision you require to reach them, and therefore you will automatically make healthy choices. Personally, I have my goals written in my diary which I look at every evening before retiring to bed. I have reached 5 out of 6 of my short term goals because I have made choices daily which have led me there. This week in particular, for example, I have finally managed to add weight to the seated shoulder press on the smith machine. Amazing!... and it's only taken me 6 months- which brings me to my next train of thought. What happens when we have achieved our goals? What next?... I know as a Figure competitor it can be hard when the glitz and glam of competition day is over after 12 hard weeks of preparation. I have also learned this year that it is important to start to think about your next goals as you approach success in your current goals. We need to have something we can work on next, or we may find ourselves lost and jumping off the wagon. Currently I am eating to support body fat loss as the next season of competing begins to approach,but why you ask, that's six months away! This is true, but it is about knowing what is ahead and continual improvement. I have a certain level of body fat I need to achieve before I start to seriously prepare for competition, so I have started already. So, fair readers, what is driving you? Write it down and revisit it often. It is definitely a learning process (like all things in life) so do not be disheartened if the road to achieving your goals does not run smoothly the first time. Mine hasn't always! Just remember that if your plans on reaching your goal fail, it is only a temporary setback..... you just have to write better plans next time.