Boy, what a year 2017 was!  From starting this blog to starting a new career to working through an injury and everything in between.

I know, I know, we are already like almost done January and I am just posting about my goals.

Well, a few things happened.

For one, I couldn't decide on what goals to stay focused on.  I always do the "drink more water" thing, to finish a challenge, and to hit a certain amount of running miles.  So I wanted things to actually stick this time and be, for lack of a better word, real.  I tend to always give up when life got too busy or I got off track and then gave up.  So I really wanted to stick to these goals and a few of them have serious deadlines so I HAVE to get it together!

And two, life just kinda like happened.  My oven/stove died.  More classes were added to my schedule (Totes not complaining, I love what I do but getting adjusted)  Studying for my NASM, making notecards of practice questions took a hell of a long time that I an anticipated.  And a random let's change the living room and kitchen furniture situation.  (Thanks, future hubby)

But anyways... Let's get back to it, shall we?

GOALS!!!

The start of a new year always has everyone thinking about new goals and what they want or even need to change in the new year.  I believe that you don't need a new year to start new.  Any day or any moment can be the start of something new to benefit your life in positive ways.

For myself, I'm setting more short-term goals instead of anything super long-term.  I feel it's more realistic and achievable for me.  And I think when people set out too high of a goal and don't include those halfway check-in points is when they give up when they don't see anything positive coming out of it, myself included.

My best suggestion for keeping those goals on point is to keep your goals to be as specific as possible will help them stick.  Use the SMART method, Specific Measurable Attainable Realistic Timely (Thanks, NASM studying).  Try not to make them too vague.  For example, "Drink more water".  Try, " Drink 75 ounces of water each day".  And make a tracker or have a list in your phone to track the amount of water you drink.  You can check out my hydration tip here  Make it time specific.  I want to lose 5 pounds in 6 weeks and then check in at week 3 and see where you stand.  If you hit your goal already, AMAZING.  Keep going!  If not, it's ok.  Re-evaluate and see where you can make a little change to get you to that goal.

Here are my 2018 Goals:

• So my first goal is to finish my NASM Personal Training Certification. I have selected 3 dates that would be ideal to finish but didn't lock myself in just in case and to not put added pressure on myself. (I tend to do this anyway).

• Once that is finished, I will begin my AFAA Group Fitness Certification. I will have until April to take the exam. And from I have reviewed, it is similar to what I have already been studying for my NASM. I will work on 3 chapters per week and leaving 2 to 3 weeks of final studying time before the exam, starting the first week of February.

• Then from there, is to continue to be the best instructor that I can be by maintaining my 15 + classes weekly. And obtain 5 personal training clients.

• I definitely want to get back on a running plan and maybe even training for a race since my hip injury has been feeling amazing. But first, baby steps. Maybe start out with a 5k then maybe the local 10-mile race in May (looking at you Broad Street!). The key is to hold myself accountable and not to push too soon (or too fast).

• Stay consistent in all aspects of my life. From taking time out for self-care, staying organized, and sticking to plans (like regular posting on here and IG)

• Letting go of negative self-talk/self-doubt. This ties into my last goal since I don't always feel confident about what I'm posting or saying on here. But I'm trying to be better at just letting my creative juices flow and release them into the universe. Maybe someone will find what I say interesting or helpful. (I feel this is a lot of people's goal so let's all help each other out and lift each up!)

• Build up my lean muscle mass and get my BMI down based on my Inbody results (this cool bioelectrical impedance machine)

What are you focused on for 2018?  Leave me a comment below!