Top tips on Goal Setting

Goal Setting guest blog I did for PSYBT, Tips on how to set Goals

Glasgow based Personal Trainer Ricky Singh set up his Personal Training business in 2011 after seeking advice and support from PSYBT.  With January and February being the months for setting fitness goals and resolutions, we decided to catch up with Ricky and get some expert advice on how to stick to those resolutions.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get fit in 2012?

It pains me to say, but not many of us will complete our new year’s resolutions, I believe that this is down to lack of goal setting and motivation.  I’ve been running my successful business for the past 2 years now and have found that by setting myself goals regularly, I have stayed focused.  I center my energy on 3 goals, this is an achievable amount, it is the same principle for getting fit.  Set small and achievable goals and stick to them.  I will never stop or quit, the word No or Fail does not put me off  – I’m an entrepreneur so it doesn’t exist in my dictionary!

Have you overcome adversity in business?

I have experienced failure, I’ve been on the floor, have picked myself back up again and have gone on to have an Award winning business, so yes there have been challenging times. I believe there is no better measure of a person than how he or she bounces back when they have hit rock bottom.

So how did you get over this and achieve your success?

I set myself goals and I didn’t stop until I had achieved them! I believe that if you have a goal that means a lot to you, and then you will achieve it with motivation and energy.

 Ok, so we want to get fit, live a healthier lifestyle, how should we do this for longer than a couple of weeks?

Business and Sport are very similar when it comes to setting goals.  First of all think back to last year, if that approach didn’t work, then how are you going to change it for 2013?  I don’t think there could be a better year to get fit, as it’s a post Olympic we were truly inspired by the performances of our Olympians so, 2013 should be a massive year for our health and fitness resolutions.

I like to use the SMART acronym when working with individuals who want to get fit.  First of all write down your goals then make sure they are:

S=Specific

M=Measurable

A=Achievable

R=Record

T=Time

How can we use this model for both keeping fit and in business?

There is no point in making your goals too generic, really think about what you want to achieve.  Think about how you’re going to track your progress, measure inch loss or in a business context, look at your profit margins – how many new clients you’ve attracted etc.  Ensure you’re being realistic, if you’ve never exercised before then aiming to run a marathon is pretty unrealistic.  Likewise, a start-up who wants to make £1million in their first year is very ambitious but unless you’re launching the next Facebook, it’s unrealistic.

Writing your goals down and keeping track makes them seem more real, every time you see them it reinforces the hard work you’re putting in and why you are doing it.  Finally, set a completion date.  Do not set yourself up for failure, give yourself enough time to achieve your goals but aim to hit your goals as soon as you can don’t let the date put you off from completing goals faster than expected and you will reap the rewards.

What is the best thing about running your own business?

I’m very passionate about what I do and love helping others change their lives for the better. I believe anyone can be successful in business as long as you have that passion, nothing is going to stop you making your dreams a reality.  I don’t think you should be in business solely for the money as it can come and go.  If you enjoy what you do and help others along the way, the money will become a by product of your success, one of my favorite quotes

“if you can give enough people what they want…you will always have what you want”

Ricky Singh

Award Winning Personal Trainer

www.rickysingh.co.uk