As the summer winds down and the school year kicks off, there’s a unique energy in the air—a sense of new beginnings, fresh starts, and the promise of growth. While students sharpen their pencils and fill their backpacks with new books, it’s also the perfect time for you to take a closer look at your own goals, especially when it comes to your fitness journey.
Why Goal Setting Matters
Setting goals in the gym isn’t just about deciding you want to lift heavier or run faster. It’s about creating a roadmap that keeps you motivated, focused, and on track. Without clear goals, it’s easy to fall into a routine that feels more like going through the motions rather than making meaningful progress. But with well-defined goals, each workout becomes a purposeful step toward a bigger picture.
The Back-to-School Reset
The back-to-school season isn’t just for kids. It’s a natural time for all of us to reset our priorities. After a summer of vacations, barbecues, and maybe a little too much relaxation, September offers a chance to refocus and get back on track. Whether you’ve been consistent with your workouts or if you’ve let them slide a bit, now is the time to reassess where you’re at and where you want to go.
Reviewing and Adjusting Your Goals
Just like students get a new syllabus each school year, you need to review your own “syllabus” for the gym. Take a moment to look back at the goals you set at the beginning of the year or last season. Are you on track? Have your priorities changed? Maybe you’ve achieved some of your goals and need to set new ones, or perhaps you’ve realized that the goals you set no longer align with where you want to go.
This is the time to adjust your targets, refine your approach, and make sure that what you’re working towards in the gym is still meaningful to you.
Setting SMART Goals
As you reset your priorities, make sure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of vague objectives like “get stronger,” set a goal like “increase my squat by 20 pounds in the next 8 weeks.” This gives you a clear target to aim for and a timeline to keep you accountable.
The Power of Consistency
Consistency is the bridge between your goals and their achievement. Once you’ve reset your goals, commit to a routine that supports them. Remember, it’s not about how hard you go in any single workout—it’s about showing up regularly and putting in the work day after day. Even when life gets busy, sticking to your fitness routine will help you stay grounded and keep moving forward.
Take Action Today
There’s no better time than now to hit the reset button on your fitness journey. Use the back-to-school season as a catalyst to review your goals, set new ones, and recommit to the process. Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or just getting started, a well-planned set of goals will ensure that every rep, every mile, and every drop of sweat brings you closer to the best version of yourself.
So grab a notebook, jot down your goals, and get ready to crush them this fall. Remember, the time to start is now, and the person who will thank you later is you.
Need help? Grit members have access to professional coaches that can set these goals with you. Reach out to your coach to set up a meeting!
Not a member yet? Our Free No Sweat Intro is a great first step in getting these goals in motion, developing a plan, and becoming a member of the Grit Crew to keep accountable to them!
