We're going through the SMART goals, a well-known pattern for success and goal setting for over 40 years.

SMART stands for

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Relevant

Timely

Today's topic is creating a Timely goal.

Our example is deadlifting 400lbs for 5 reps. We've decided that it is attainable (no injuries) and relevant (because we want to be strong!).

This one is deceptively simple. WHEN do you plan to be at mission accomplished?

If there's no time factor, our deadlift goal may either become a burden ("I failed at one...") or never get accomplished ("I skipped deadlift this week, I'll start again next...month..."). 

Best way to figure this out is to reverse engineer your goals based on the yearly, monthly, and weekly action targets.

Let's say I can lift 315lbs for 5 right now. If I set a training (and eating) pace that allow me to add 5lbs per week with absolute mechanical consistency, then I could potentially hit my goal in 17 weeks! But taken into account deload cycles (after 8 weeks of +5-10 lbs/wk many bodies need a break), injury allowance, vacations, and unforeseen delays... 17 weeks is a bit naive. A year may be more realistic.

The specifics of the example are basically irrelevant, if you understand the point. Which is --> if you want to set goals, you need to be timely about them. Give yourself a realistic timeframe in which to complete them. 

Once your pretty little goal has been completed, and it's a specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely motivator for your success, then put it somewhere you can see it!

Take that goal, that squat, bench or deadlift 1RM benchmark, and slap it on your phone's calendar, your workout app, sticky notes on the mirror, write it in your journal, heck make a t-shirt I don't care. This is about you finding ways to game your own system and become all that God has created you to be. 

Until next time! Let's get strong, inside AND out.