Why do successful companies bother with business plans? Is it just because they have the budget and want to keep the interns busy, or because they simply like saying they have a plan? The truth is, they create business plans because they actually work. These plans are like detailed roadmaps, guiding the business from point A to point B with clear steps and directions. You can take a page from these big corporations and turn your exercise routine into a kind of business plan too.
One of the key parts of a business plan is figuring out where you want to be in the near future. Instead of vaguely saying you want to be healthy by the end of the year, be specific. For example, set a goal to cut out all soda, lose 15 pounds, and exercise three times a week. This specificity will give you a clearer idea of how to achieve your goal.
Take another tip from IBM. When Tom Watson took over in 1914, he had a clear vision of what he wanted IBM to become and worked backward to figure out the steps needed to get there. You can do this with your exercise plan as well. If you want to run the Boston Marathon in two years, identify what it takes to make that happen and work backward from there.
Alright, you know where you want to be. So how do you get there? This may require some research. If you aim to be a marathon runner, look into the training regimens they follow. If you want to shed 15 pounds, understand what’s involved in losing that weight.
For example, to lose about one pound a week, you might need to cut around 500 calories a day (a rough estimate). But remember, you need a sustainable plan for long-term success. Your nutrition and exercise routine should be something you can stick to over time.
People often stumble by trying to do too much too quickly or setting overly ambitious goals. While ambition is great, unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and even giving up when results don’t come quickly. Set achievable timeframes for your goals. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will your six-pack be!
Think about whether you’ll need a personal trainer, a fitness partner, or even a gym membership. Will you need to buy equipment for home workouts? These are important questions to consider, as your goals need to fit both your schedule and your budget.
Besides financial costs, there will be emotional costs too. It takes a lot of emotional energy and strength to lose weight or train for a marathon. Having someone join you on your fitness journey can help you cope with these emotional challenges.
When times get tough, a good companion can make all the difference. Write down your goals as we’ve discussed, and then make a contract with yourself to solidify your commitment. When you find yourself struggling, look back at your goals and remind yourself why you set them. This will give you an immediate boost of motivation.
Just like starting a small business, signing a contract with yourself can give you that extra push! Remember, only you can make this happen. No one can do it for you. So stand up, get moving, and get it done!