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Achieving goals in life, or in fitness, requires effort and intention. This process can often seem overwhelming. Maybe your goal is to lose 30 pounds of fat or gain 10 pounds of muscle. Too often we see a number or goal and want it to happen in the blink of an eye, but we are unaware of what steps it will take for us to actually reach our goal. A famous quote reads “it’s not the end goal, but the journey.” Goals take time to achieve, and if you are focused on the result instead of the journey you’re currently on, you may be tempted to quit before you reach your final destination when things get difficult. Setting small goals which keep you on track to reach your end goal is a great strategy and will provide you with small victories to keep you feeling motivated on your journey.
Now it’s time to talk about the infamous “E” word I hear so very often. “What is the easiest way to… (fill in the blank).” Here is where many people fail before they begin, because they have the wrong mindset. Most things worth achieving are not easy. Fitness is, and should be, challenging. It must be in order for you to reap the benefits. If you want to see changes in your physique, overall health, or mental well-being (to name just a few benefits), you need to understand that results come from uncomfortableness. It is good to be uncomfortable!
I want to present a new mindset to adopt moving forward. Instead of asking what is easiest, aim for what is most efficient. The definition of efficiency is “performing or functioning in the best possible manner with the least waste of time and effort” (dictionary.com). Efficiency can be implemented in a couple of ways. For one, you should perform workouts that are going to give you the most bang for your buck. We all have had those days where we get to the gym and want to get on our preferred piece of cardio equipment and work at a steady pace for 30 plus minutes, while enjoying our favorite podcast or show on Netflix. Although any workout is better than no workout, is this the most efficient way to spend your time at the gym? Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT) may take more effort, you are able to burn more calories in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, if you throw body weight exercises or dumbbells into your HIIT workout, you will have the added benefit of building muscle mass as well.
Another key to making your workouts more efficient is having a plan. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Below are a few steps to ensure your workout runs as efficiently as possible.
- Workout clothes are packed and ready to go
- Water bottle is filled
- Nutrition or pre-workout drinks have already been consumed
- Workout of the day is written down
- All equipment required for your workout of the day is laid out
- Warm-up has been completed
- Music playlist is set
When approaching your goals, do what is efficient instead of what is easiest. Although the easy route may seem more appealing, efficiency will help you reach goals more quickly with less frustration. Choose your goal, break it down into smaller achievable goals, and enjoy the journey. As you begin seeing progress, you will hopefully feel encouraged to take the route which yields the most benefit. It all starts with one efficient activity at a time.
About the Author:
While having a strong interest in bodybuilding as a personal journey, I also have a passion for living an overall healthy lifestyle and helping others with their own experiences. I graduated in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with a focus on Health Promotions. After graduating college from Miami University (Oxford, OH), I moved across the country to Scottsdale, Arizona to start my career as a health professional. I have been with the same company for 8 years now doing corporate wellness management. I have done everything from one-on-one personal training to small group and group fitness classes of 25+ people, writing programs, giving seminars, and working various health events for the company!
