Goal Setting: The Secret to Smashing Your Fitness Results

Sam Barfield
3 days ago
2 min read

Ever noticed how some people seem to make progress quickly, while others stay stuck spinning their wheels? The difference often comes down to one thing: clear, structured goals.

When you know exactly what you’re working toward, every workout, every meal, and every habit feels purposeful. Without goals? It’s like setting out on a road trip with no destination—you waste time, energy, and motivation.

Why Goal Setting Matters

Clarity: Goals give you direction. Instead of “I want to get fit,” you know “I want to lose 10lbs in 12 weeks.”
Focus: When you’re clear on what matters, you stop wasting energy on things that don’t.
Motivation: Seeing progress towards your goals fires you up to keep going.
Accountability: Goals help you track if you’re on or off course.

How to Set Goals That Stick

Most people fail because they set vague, unrealistic, or unmeasurable goals. Instead, use this framework:

Be Specific “Get fitter” is vague. “Run 5K without stopping by the end of June” is specific.
Make It Measurable Track progress with numbers—weight, reps, steps, or photos.
Keep It Achievable Aim high, but don’t set yourself up for failure. A stone in 6 months is achievable, a stone in 6 days isn’t.
Stay Relevant Align your goals with your lifestyle. If you hate running, don’t set a marathon as your target.
Set a Timeframe Deadlines create urgency. A 12-week target is far more powerful than “someday.”

(This is the SMART method—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. Simple, but powerful.)

Long-Term vs Short-Term Goals

Think of your goals like stepping stones. Your long-term goal might be to lose 2 stone, but your short-term goals are the weekly and monthly wins—training three times a week, hitting your nutrition targets, or dropping 2–3lbs this month.

Short-term goals keep you motivated, while long-term goals give you the bigger vision.

The Missing Ingredient: Accountability

Even with goals, it’s easy to slip up when no one’s watching. That’s where coaching changes the game. Having a trainer keeps you accountable, helps you set realistic targets, and gives you strategies when life gets in the way.

Final Word

Goals are the bridge between where you are now and where you want to be.

The clearer you are, the faster you’ll cross that bridge. Don’t just “want to get fit.” Define what fit looks like for you, map out the steps, and take consistent action.

If you’re ready to set powerful, personalised goals—and actually stick to them—I can help you create a roadmap that fits your lifestyle and delivers results.