Challenge No. 1 - Set Your Goals

Nearly everyone who has ever set a fitness New Year's resolution knows sticking to health goals can be tough. But, research shows that specific, concrete goals are the difference between success and failure when aspiring to fulfill personal objectives. 

A 2011 meta-analysis* of 38 group goal studies revealed three key characteristics of performance-enhancing goals:

• Specific - Goals that are specific have a higher likelihood of getting accomplished. "I want to exercise at least four times per week," is far better than "I'd like to be more physically active." The measurability and time-sensitivity of the former statement make the goal much easier to achieve.
  
  
• Difficult - The more challenging a goal is, the more effort you will put in. But, don't get crazy! If a goal is too difficult and not attainable, it can negatively affect your performance.
  
  
• Group-centric - Researchers found that "egocentric" individual goals, aimed at maximizing individual performance, yielded a  negative performance effect.
  
  So, instead of, "I want to exercise four times a week so I can look awesome on my next beach trip," a better example is: "I want to exercise four times a week so it's easier for me to be active with my children," or "I really want to exercise at least four times per week so I can help my team win the Get Fit Challenge!"

YOUR CHALLENGE:
Now, it's your turn! Use our worksheet to set 1-3 goals for the 30-Day Challenge and map the steps you will take to achieve them. But, don't forget to show off - the teams and individuals that illustrate one Challenge goal in the most creative way will win this week's social challenge.

Don't be afraid to think outside the box! Are you shooting for 8 hours of sleep per night during the Challenge? Show us a funny picture of you (or your team) catching some z's! Is your goal to complete a triathlon before the end of the Challenge? Show us what it will look like when you cross the finish line!

To enter, submit a photo to GetFitSD@SDChamber.org by Tuesday, January 17, 11:59 A.M. The winners will be announced via email, on the website, and within the Get Fit dashboard.

Good luck!
The Get Fit Team