GOALS ARE HARD to reach, especially if you don’t have one. It’s easy to say things like, “This year I’m going to get fitter,” or “This year I’m going to log more Ks,” but without a quantifiable target to aim for there’s no way of measuring success.
My recipe for achieving a goal is built around the motto, “Never stop exploring.”
Here’s how it works. Begin by signing up for a race that makes you go farther than you’ve ever gone before. For instance, if you’ve run a 5K, register for a 10K. If you’ve run a 10K, tackle a half marathon. If you’ve run a half, sign up for your first marathon. And if you’ve run a marathon, attempt an ultra.
Next, choose a charity that you feel passionately about and pledge to raise money for that cause. Make sure it is something that has touched your life in a meaningful way.
Finally, send an email blast to your friends and family explaining your racing intentions and your dedication to supporting this worthwhile cause in the process. Make sure the message explains your personal connection to this particular charity. Sure, people get hit up all the time for donations, but you are taking up a challenge that’s greater than anything you’ve done before. That deserves special merit.
Now you’ll have not only a commitment, but also accountability – two essential ingredients for achieving any goal. There will be fewer missed workouts, no more compromise, and less half-hearted efforts. You’ve got people depending on you and the stakes are high. You can’t let these other people down, and you can’t let yourself down.
Good luck, and never stop exploring!
