We've all been there, having a big goal to lose 20kgs, to bench press as much as the biggest guy in the gym, or to improve your endurance tenfold. While setting goals for yourself is great and gives you something to work towards, goals can sometimes make you feel guilty. And they can end up leaving you despondent if they take too long to reach. Let's look at ways to make your goals more achievable:

Using the SMART method of goal setting, you can set goals for yourself that are easily achieved.

1. Specific: Let's get clear about your fitness objectives. Instead of saying "exercise more," aim for something like "commit to working out three times a week." Specificity fuels your focus and determination.
   
   
2. Measurable: Tracking progress keeps you motivated. Whether it's logging the weights you lift or the distance you run each week, having quantifiable markers ensures you're always moving forward.
   
   
3. Attainable: Your fitness goals should be challenging yet within reach. While training for a marathon in two weeks might be an uphill battle, setting a goal to achieve it in a few months makes it much more realistic.
   
   
4. Relevant: Find your "why." Whether it's about feeling stronger, gaining flexibility, or managing a health condition - having a compelling reason behind your goals keeps you motivated when the going gets tough.
   
   
5. Timely: Give your goals a deadline. Whether it's four weeks or six months, having a timeframe creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay on track with your fitness aspirations.

Here are some examples of some common fitness goals and how to use the SMART method of goal setting to make them more achievable.

Big goal: Hold A 1 Minute Plank in 30 Days
SMART technique: Just because a plank uses little movement, does not mean it isn't an excellent exercise for posture, balance, strength, and endurance. Instead of trying to hold a plank immediately for 1 minute, perhaps start with 15-20 seconds per day and increase your time by 5-10 seconds every week until you reach 1 minute. This way, you will still reap the benefits of the movement but are also ticking off 'mini' goals along the way to your bigger goal.

Big goal: Do 30 Pushups in a Row
SMART technique: Try starting with 1 perfect push-up. Master your technique and then start small with 5-10 push-ups at a time. You can then progress to adding on a few more as you get stronger over time until you reach your goal.

Goal setting is a great way to give your routine a purpose. But don't let those goals hold you back by focusing on perfection and the goal at the very end. The smaller ones can be even more rewarding - especially if you are SMART with it!