From Workout Routine to Business Strategy
Why do successful companies create business plans? It’s not just to keep interns busy or because they enjoy saying they have a plan. The real reason is that business plans are effective—they guide the company from where it is now to where it wants to be, detailing each step along the way. You can apply this approach to your fitness goals, turning your workout routine into a well-thought-out plan.
A key part of any business plan is deciding where you want to go in the future. Vague goals like wanting to be healthy are not enough. Make your goals specific, like cutting out soda, losing 15 pounds, and working out three times a week. Clear goals help you understand how to achieve them.
Take a page from IBM’s playbook. When Tom Watson took charge in 1914, he had a clear vision for the company and worked backward to figure out how to achieve it. You can do the same for your fitness goals. If you aim to run the Boston Marathon in two years, identify what steps are necessary to reach that milestone.
Now that you know your destination, how do you get there? You might need to do some research. Whether it’s learning how marathon runners train or understanding what it takes to lose 15 pounds, gather the necessary information. For example, to lose a pound a week, you need to cut roughly 500 calories a day—an estimate, yes, but it points you toward making long-term nutrition and exercise changes that are sustainable.
A common mistake is setting overly ambitious goals, which can lead to frustration and quitting if results aren’t immediate. Instead, establish realistic timelines. Remember, your six-pack won’t build overnight!
Consider what resources you might need. Do you need a personal trainer or a gym membership? Who will support you emotionally as you pursue your goals? Recognize that chasing these ambitions requires not just money but emotional resilience as well. Having a workout buddy or a supportive partner can make the emotional journey easier.
Write down your goals as we’ve discussed and sign a commitment to yourself. When you’re feeling discouraged, revisit your goals and remind yourself why you’re working towards them. This reflection can reignite your motivation.
Think of it like starting your own business—sign a contract with yourself for that extra drive! You’re the one in charge of your journey. So stand up, get moving, and make it happen!
