Set the bar high

 It's at this time of year, people like to make "new year resolutions".  Usually these are made with good intentions however the phrase itself has negative connotations and this may be responsible for the large number of failures before the end of January.  Just look at gym memberships.  Regular gym members dread January when you have to queue for weights or machines as they are normally packed with people full of good intentions.  But new year resolutions tend not to last and here's my tips on how to get greater success:

1 - How bad do you want it?  Not bad enough hence the lack of commitment.  The goal has got to mean something really important to you.  You need a WHY?  You need to set the bar high which will stretch you to the limits to achieve it.  There is nothing worse than setting a low bar and achieving it.
Mohammed Ali once said "if you're goals don't scare you then you haven't set them high enough".  So before setting your goals just ask yourself the question, how bad do you want it?

2 -  The 5 step plan  I have used this plan in business and in all my adventures from Ironman to multi staged ultra runs.  Step one is setting your objective, but as mentioned above you need a WHY and you need to want to succeed - it has to really mean something to you as that keeps you going when it gets tough, and it will.
Step two is writing down the action plan.  This isn't just a high level document.  This drills down into individual sessions and targets.  I'm not into SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable", relevant, time-based) as I don't agree with attainable!  Attainable definitely means the bar hasn't been set high enough.
Step three This one is absolutely key.  It's about CONTROLS.  You need controls that measure your training to make sure you are on track.  I use a coach who sets my training plan and monitors each session with the use of technology.  You might decide to use a software programme that measures you against goals but the key no matter what method you use, is being accountable for your results.  I use this blog to make me accountable to you for the goals I set and that puts pressure on me to achieve them.  Make sure you have controls in place.
Step four - get out there and do the training and complete your events.  Enjoy the journey because if it's not fun, you need to question what you're doing.
Step five - The REVIEW.  You will constantly be reviewing your training results but this is a major review after your event.  If you were faster, why?  Was it because you set a low target wrong or did your training put you in such good condition - if so then repeat that process.  If you were slower, why?  If you didn't finish why?  What can you learn and sometimes is you learn more from your failures.  I certainly have.  Naturally we don't like reviews but they are essential.
Having shared this plan with you you might be surprised to know that the starting point is actually stage 5, the review.  You need to know where you are starting from before you set  your objectives.  So take time out to review the previous year.

2020 has been an unusual year but we've adapted during the year and as a result of our hard work, 2021 should be a great season, assuming we get to race.  My plans are certainly for a 2nd half of the season "A race" but every training session between now and then are all designed to get me to the start line in the best possible condition.  I hope this proven method is helpful to you and wish you all the best for the year.