In a couple weeks we’ll be at the biggest influx point in the health and fitness industry: the new year resolution. Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, of people will set out to make 2025 the year of change. And millions of people will fail to do so once again. All roads are paved with the best intentions, but how can you ensure that you don’t fall to the wayside of failed resolutionists? It’s starts with effective goal setting and is carried through with effective planning.

Bulletproofing your Goals

In my time spent as a coach and trainer, the first step of people’s failings comes with ineffective or poorly aligned goals. Often times motivation is seen as a false beacon of hope to be replaced by discipline, but the fact of reality is that you need some motivation to start down the road. “What’s your why?” is always the million dollar question. But I like to take it a step further. As yourself “why” until you can’t answer it. “I want to lose weight to be healthier.” Why? “I’m not happy being the weight I am.” Why? “It prevents me from doing things I want to.” Why? “Because I am not able to play with my kids like I’d want?” Why does that matter? “Because I want to be as present as I can for my kids.” Boom…your why isn’t to be healthier, you why is your kids. That’s just an example, but you get the gist.

Empower your Performance

While most resolutions are attached to a health outcome, I think it’s necessary to add a performance aspect. If you’re pursuing an improvement of health, what good is that if you can’t use it? So in addition to making your typical goals, define a performance based outcome to aim for. Maybe you want to do 20 strict pull-ups. If you’re like Block One coach Justin Ziegler, your target is a series of ruck races throughout the year. Maybe you want to bench 300lbs for the first time. Whatever it is, adding a performance marker will give you a tangible outcome that you can gauge process by. Once the endpoint is established, the next step is to set some microgoals.

Map the Journey

Let’s say you want to get 20 strict pull-ups. First, know where you’re starting. From there, define when you want to get there. This is a struggle for a lot of folks because how do you know how quickly progress can be made? For that, if you don’t have a specific event in mind, I’d suggest making the timeline as long as possible which would be the end of 2025. If that seems too long, just hang on. No one has ever been upset with attaining a goal before they planned. But setting too short of a timeline will lead to discouragement and ultimately derail your progress. Next would be to set landmarks. If you can do eight strict pull-ups now, and the goal is 20 by the end of the year, then it makes sense to be halfway there by July. So 14 pull-ups in July means you should be halfway to halfway by March. Eight pull-ups now, 11 by March, 14 by July, 17 by October, 20 by year’s end. This same concept can be used for anything. If your goal is to lose 50 lbs this year, you’d have to lose 25 first.

Take Off

With the outcome in mind, and the journey mapped out, all that’s left to it is to do it. Pull-ups won’t magically happen if you don’t train them. Weight loss won’t happen if you don’t actively track a deficit. Goals don’t happen without accountability. Hold yourself accountable by tracking whatever metrics you need. Easier said than done, which is why having the right support system is key. The reality is, accountability only works if you’re truly committed—and nothing solidifies commitment like putting skin in the game. Investing in a structured training program not only provides you with expert guidance but also reinforces your dedication to achieving your goals. When you commit financially, you commit mentally—turning intentions into action.

This isn’t a lame attempt at driving sales, this is me giving you a reality check. If you can attain your goals on your own, you are one of a select few. But the reality is, if you could do that, you probably wouldn’t need to hear how to. Be honest with yourself, swallow your pride, and realize that paying for help isn’t an admittance of weakness, it’s a realization that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to make your dreams a reality.

At Power Athlete, we’ve built training programs designed to fit your goals and lifestyle, whether you’re looking to crush performance milestones, sculpt the physique of your dreams, or build a foundation of unshakable strength. Check out our lineup of programs tailored for every athlete, from the weekend warrior to the seasoned competitor.

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