{"id":13553,"date":"2013-07-31T01:00:37","date_gmt":"2013-07-31T05:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/girlfriendscoffeehour.com\/?p=13553"},"modified":"2013-07-30T23:40:41","modified_gmt":"2013-07-31T03:40:41","slug":"ten-ways-to-stick-to-an-exercise-program-3-set-specific-and-realistic-goals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlfriendscoffeehour.com\/wordpress\/2013\/07\/31\/ten-ways-to-stick-to-an-exercise-program-3-set-specific-and-realistic-goals\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Stick to an Exercise Program – #3 Set Specific and Realistic Goals"},"content":{"rendered":"

When I am tempted to quit or lose focus, I find encouragement from one of the greatest men in the Bible who demonstrated determination and a passion to complete a job—Nehemiah.\u00a0 He had a vision<\/b> to rebuild a wall of protection around the city of Jerusalem and set specific and realistic goals <\/b>to get it done.\u00a0 He did not roam around aimlessly, but took his time to get a clear and realistic <\/b>plan, as described in one of my favorite books by Andy Stanley, Visioneering<\/span><\/b>.<\/a><\/p>\n

My favorite verse that so well describes Nehemiah\u2019s determination is his response when others tried to distract him from his vision of rebuilding the wall.\u00a0 \u201cI am carrying on a great project and cannot go down<\/i>\u201d<\/b>\u00a0(Nehemiah 6:3).\u00a0\u00a0 He was completely focused on the end result and not ready to give up.<\/p>\n

A Vision<\/span><\/b><\/b><\/p>\n

Before setting specific and realistic goals, the first step is to create a vision for your health. A vision is something you are continually working toward…not a check off.\u00a0 Without it, you will be tempted to fall off course by letting other things distract you and you will eventually quit.\u00a0 Let me give you a personal example.<\/p>\n

My Wellness vision states:<\/strong><\/p>\n

“I am feeling and looking fit (not perfect) by exercising 4-5 days a week and spending daily quiet time with God and my family.”<\/p>\n

By having this as a statement for my life, it is easy for me to say yes or no to certain things that support my vision.\u00a0 My vision is a priority and focus\u00a0for me.<\/p>\n

Set Specific Goals<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Just like Nehemiah\u2019s plan, specific goals must be set that support your vision. When I hear someone say, \u201cI am going to exercise more,\u201d I reply with the following questions:<\/p>\n