Many of us have set goals for 2024. I hope you’re feeling successful with the shifts you’ve chosen to embark on for this new year. Because you are doing this for yourself – self-care, improvement, empowerment – whatever is your why.
When we set goals for ourselves, we often have a clear vision of what we want to achieve, but the process of actually reaching these goals can be challenging. One common obstacle we face is the tendency to set our expectations too high. When we create unrealistic goals for ourselves, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment and failure. This can be discouraging and make us feel like we are not making progress at all. It’s important to set achievable goals that align with our abilities and resources, so that we can feel successful in our efforts and maintain motivation to continue working towards our aspirations.
Setting fitness goals is a common practice at the beginning of a new year, and it’s a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. However, if you don’t have the right approach, you may set unrealistic expectations for yourself, which can be discouraging. It’s important to keep in mind that the right approach varies for each individual.
Setting barre goals, or goals for any of your fitness journeys is important because it can create a roadmap for success in gaining greater strength, flexibility and overall well-being.
I like to set what I call SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) for myself throughout the year. Sometimes it’s something big, and I focus on it for 6 months. Sometimes, it’s just my focus for a few days. Regardless of the length of time I give myself for this goal, it gives me a focus and helps me make steps, oftentimes small, regularly towards a goal or goals I desire. For me personally, I’m more successful if I focus on only one or two goals at a time.
When it comes to exercise, having goals can support us tremendously in achieving the results we are striving for.. Here are a few SMART goals that can relate to your barre practice and suggestions for setting you up for success.
- Getting more sleep. We all know that quality sleep plays an enormous role in how we show up. Prioritizing the amount that we need regularly can greatly impact how we feel and what we can accomplish. If I’m in bed by 10, I don’t have a problem showing up for a 6:30 AM class. If I stay up later, it’s much harder, and I don’t show up as my best self. And let me tell you, my 6:30am Dailey Express team deserves me at my best every day – that’s how they show up! ❤️ Try setting your alarm for bedtime as well as waking up.
- Make it easily attainable: It can be as simple as gaining just a little more flexibility, holding the balance in class a little longer, or just attending one extra class a week. Goals can be easily achievable. They don’t all have big, long-term, life-changing goals. Small goals accomplished lead to much bigger goals achieved overall.
- Track your progress. It is important to track your progress and equally important to celebrate your accomplishments. By doing so, you acknowledge your hard work and encourage yourself to continue making efforts towards your goals. As a way to reward yourself, consider treating yourself to a relaxing facial or taking an extra day off just for you. This will give you something to look forward to and help you recharge your batteries. Remember, taking care of yourself is crucial for your overall well-being and success in life.
- Make it specific: Do you want to gain strength? Try to lift heavier weights, even if it’s just for ½ the reps. It will build over time. Try to squat a little lower. Sometimes, having support (like holding onto the barre) to find the proper alignment and truly discover your mobility can help you create greater overall lower body strength. This is a great goal for hip stability and bone density. There’s a lot of opportunity for small goals that equal big results in a barre class. It’s all about the “practice” 😉
Remember, this journey is uniquely yours. Celebrate each achievement, no matter how small. With realistic, specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals, you’ll pave the way for fulfilling an empowering barre or fitness practice.
Wishing you grace, strength, and endless joy in your barre endeavors. 💃🌟