Set goals. Set goals. Set goals, and oh I almost forgot set some more goals. In the fitness world and everywhere else we are fed the importance of setting goals ad nauseam. We are constantly told to set goals both short and long term. Write them down somewhere where they are constantly visible and work towards them. As important as setting goals is, what is even more important is having a vision.
My brother and I at Joshua Tree. I envisioned how awesome id look with a cowboy hat
In the world of weightlifting goals are extremely important, but what is even more important is a vision. A vision of where you want to be, or even more important a vision of WHO you want to be. There is a distinct difference between a goal and a vision. Visionaries are those that are not hindered by pitfalls and obstacles. They are the ones that are striving towards an ideal. Visionaries are focused on the “bigger picture,” a picture that they have created within the confines of their minds and continue to push in manifesting that vision on a daily basis. Having a set of ideals or a vision for yourself is a powerful tool. It lights a continuous fire of motivation and inspiration that goal setting simply cannot.
The strength in setting goals is also its biggest weakness. Goals are specifically defined and as a result you either reach them or not. Now, reaching goals can be an incredibly powerful tool in continuing your drive towards whatever you are pursuing. But on the flipside they can also be discouraging. If you have a weight loss goal of 15 pounds for the month and you fall short chances are you are going to get a little down on yourself. Now this obviously doesn’t apply to everyone but with talking to a lot of people and observing countless gym goers I have noticed that it applies to a good number of folks.
I am often asked questions about where I want my bench to be or how much weight I want to gain or lose. I always respond with the same answer, I am not exactly sure. Now I understand that this can be counter-productive but the reason that I am not sure is because I have never let numbers define my objectives. I have ALWAYS had a vision of how I wanted to look. And since I am not a power lifter by nature the amount of weight I lift never really held that much importance for me. I focus on an ideal aesthetic that I want to reach, and I focus on that vision with all of my energy. I even go as far as picturing myself looking exactly how I want to look at parties, in the gym, having sex, even cooking fucking breakfast. I envision how I am going to look in certain clothes, how I am going to feel while standing at table playing fucking beer pong. I envision and imagine how I am going to feel, the looks I am going to get. Literally every single fucking detail.
In conclusion having a vision of who you want to be and where you want to be is more important than setting goals. It is the bigger picture that you keep your mind focused on that lights that fire under your ass to go and get what you want. Sure, goal setting is important as well but I highly recommend envisioning yourself already living with all that it is you want to attain. That vision will be the light at the end of the tunnel that will demand all of your energy. Happy Liftin’
