Set your 2017 Goals and find Success!

A new year is just around the corner!  It is quite an exciting time of the year.  Many people, perhaps you awe well are bustling around getting ready for the holidays and looking forward to some time off work and spending it with family.  Last week’s article talked about how to reflect on this year and what we can take away from it.  In this post let’s look ahead towards 2017 and get a game plan set so we can start the year strong and continue it all year long!  Let’s dive in!

If you haven’t reflected on this past year, ensure that you take some time to do that.  This will help you develop goals for the upcoming year.  After you reflected grab a notebook or something to write on and a pencil.  Then jot down some things that you didn’t achieve this past year that you would’ve liked to.  Also, write down some items that you did but would like to grow and improve.  For example, I put on a community concert with my school choirs every year.  Usually they just sing in it, but for next year I’m going to create a community choir and possibly a men’s group to sing with them.  It’ll be a fun and beneficial experience for my students and the community.  In that example, I took something I already do and beefed it up for next year.

You should have more than one or two, but I wouldn’t go crazy and have over 20.  Once you have those written down, take a look at the list and see which ones can be achieved in a shorter length of time and ones that’ll take time.  Then re-write them in these categories: 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and by the End of 2017.

Excellent!  You should now have a list of what you’d like to do and accomplish next year (goals) and how long you think it’ll take to achieve them.  The next step is to write down all the months, January through December.  Now comes the slightly trickier part, putting your goals into the months.  Some goals might have to be in certain months.  For example, my community concert is in February.  So that’ll be in January and Feb to make that happen.  If possible, try to spread them out through the year so you aren’t crazily overwhelmed.  So if you have a goal that’ll take a 1 month, find a month and write it in there.  If it’ll take 6 months, write it in all 6 months.  This way you are always working towards something and hopefully completing something every month or two.  You may need to erase and rewrite your goals to space it throughout the year.  Also think of times that you know are crazy for you.  If you travel a lot in December, then put less in that month.  Don’t just leave it blank, but don’t put as much as some other months.  If needed, rewrite the list to get it clean.

Lastly, take yet another sheet of paper and write each goal down. Each goal should be specific.  Don’t leave it open ended.  Make it a SMART Goal. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-based) After you write it down, write the length of time you think it’ll take to complete it.  THEN underneath it, write how you are going to achieve the goal.  You can write it in any way that works for you, but here is what I do and would suggest.

Example 1)

  Catch a Redfish on the Fly – 1 Month

            July, visit friends in Lousiana

            Plan trips to bayou’s and good fisheries

            Catch a red on the fly

Example 2)

  Do 100 pushups without stopping – 6 months

            Month 1 – do 30 pushups (spaced through the day if necessary but pushing myself to do it all at once by the last week)

            Month 2-3 – 60 pushups (spaced if needed but then without stopping)

            Month 3-4 – 80 pushups (spaced if needed but then without stopping)

            Month 5-6 – 100 pushups (spaced if needed but then without stopping)

Once you have your SMART Goals written and a plan of how to achieve them keep that along with your Monthly Calendar together.  Then for each month, write down your goals and put them in a place you will see it every day.  You can and should write down your daily goals (until it becomes a solid habit) and keep them in a place you will see every day like your bathroom mirror, refrigerator, etc..

Lastly, share your goals.  Share them with your family and close friends.  Heck, I want to hear them!  Send me an email at jonesintogetfit@gmail.com or message or share them with me on Facebook.  I’d love to hear and see what you will be achieving.

Reflecting on a Great Year

Welcome to the final weeks of 2016!  With the rush and excitement of the holidays it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the excitement.  Spending time with family, friends, and even your pets can make it a thankful time of the year.  With all the hustle and bustle be sure to schedule time to reflect.  It could be 5 minutes or 30 minutes, however long you think you will need to fully reflect on everything that happened this year  Grab some paper and pencil and get ready to reflect.  Here are some tips to help you get the most from your reflection.

Successes - Write down some of your successes?  Not just the big ones, but the small ones.  Maybe you received a promotion, perhaps you’re on a pro-staff, or maybe you got married.  Or you finally achieved a new personal best catch, or took a small trip, or perhaps you were able to spend a handful of nights alone with your significant other.  Whatever it is, write it down.  Then add what made those events possible below them.  Things like, trying new waters, staying consistent, dedicated, etc.  

Failures - Why would you want to reflect on a negative thing like failures?  Well, because you can and should learn from them.  Grabbing your paper and pencil write down some of your failures.  Again, big and small ones.  After you write those down, add what you think caused those issues below them.  ALSO, and don’t forget this step, write down what you learned from these failures.  What did you take away?  Sometimes we struggle and figuring out what we can take away.  It could be that you learned not to do something, to try a different approach, learn a new trick of the trade, etc.  

You have one more section to write down after your successes and failures, and that’s what you’re thankful for.  Whether it’s family, friends, pro-staff, job, pets, experiences, etc.  write them down.  Again it doesn’t matter if it’s big or small add them to your list.

Now that you have written the big and small things that happened to you and things you are thankful for this past year take second and breath.  Close your eyes and let your mind and body relax.  Then open your eyes and read through your list.  Think of and smile at your successes, read what you learned from your failures and conjour up ideas of how you can use the things you learned in the future.  Finally, read through everything you are thankful for.  This list are people, things, experiences, that help make you who you are today.  They helped you through those rough times and will help you in the future.  Be thankful for being alive and having such experiences.  

Congratulations on having a fabulous year.  I hope 2017 is filled with many great experiences for you and that you will grow even more and achieve or get closer to your goals and dreams.  Here’s to you and a great 2016!

Make Tracks and Get Fit: Snowshoeing

For most of us folks in the northern half of the US or for folks in the mountains the snow is starting to fly.  Everything looks clean and beautiful but it can make our hiking and fishing a little trickier.  However the snow shouldn’t stop us from getting outside.  One fun sport that will get you enjoying the beauty of nature is snowshoeing!  Snowshoeing is gaining popularity across the country.  It will take you out into woods, prairies, by rivers, lakes and more.  You may even find new waters to fish!  Many cities have programs set up where you can rent snowshoes or if you have a ski hill near you they may have some for rent.  These places usually have trails already set up so you can start hiking your way across the snow covered trails.  Otherwise find your favorite woods or prairies and create your own trail.

Snowshoeing is a great way to help you stay fit as it not only gives your legs a workout but it will raise your heart rate and help you build endurance.  Walking with snowshoes strapped on is a little tricky at first but they make walking over deep snow much easier.  Finding the proper sizing is crucial.  Like everything, there are different styles for different purposes.  The place you rent from can help you find the right ones, otherwise take a couple minutes and look up what snowshoe would be best for you and where you are hiking.  You don’t want something that is going to be too big as you can end up tripping on them as you walk.  

Also, you’ll want to stay comfortable while you are hiking.  Because it will raise your heart rate, you can start sweating and not wearing the proper clothing can lead you to have a miserable time.  I’d highly suggest wearing layers.  That way you can take off or add layers as needed. While snow pants aren’t necessary, they will help keep your legs dry and comfortable.  I’d also suggest bringing a bottle of water and some snacks (depending on how long you’ll be out).  We don’t realize how quickly we get dehydrated in cooler weather, so be sure you are have some water at the ready.  

Lastly, take a camera.  Whether hiking an already prepared trail or making your own, you will see some beautiful sights.  Remember them and share them with your friends and family!  I’d also love see your adventures, please comment below with them or tag me, @Jonesintogetfit in a picture of you snowshoeing!  Good luck, have fun, and stay safe!

10 Rad Gifts for the Outdoor Fitness Enthusiast

The Holiday’s Season is here and one question we may get asked by our loved ones is “What’s on your Christmas List”.  I know for many of us just spending time with our loved ones is plenty, however they always seem to want physical items to give.  So here are my top 10 gift ideas for the Outdoor Fitness Enthusiast.  Some are geared for Winter, some Summer, and some can be used year round.

1)Snow Shoes

Snowshoeing is a great way to get outside and explore the woods and trails after it snows.  It will get your heart pumping and burning calories as you hike over the snow and see what the Winter Wonderland has to offer.

2)Face/Neckwear

A tubular piece of fabric that is UV resistant and can help you not get a sunburn but also helps keep the cold wind from hitting your skin.  These are perfect while on the water, hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, or anything outside. I personally love my Tailin Toad’s Shieldz as I like the lightness of them and, of course, their color choices.  (I’m not on their Pro Staff, just love their products.)

3)Kayak

If you know me at all, this one’s not a shocker.  Heck it should be #1! Getting your buns in a kayak and paddling is a great way to burn some calories and see some amazing scenery.  Plus, you can add a couple fishing poles, gear, and catch some fish while you’re out exercising!

4) Hiking Boots

A pair of hiking boots will treat you well throughout the year!  No matter the season a nice pair of hiking boots will keep you comfortable and able to not only see new sights, but you can find a new hunting ground, a secluded kayak landing, and who knows what else, while you’re torching some calories!

5)GPS

They are great for your kayak and boats but also for hiking and geocaching.  If you are looking for a way to get your kids out in nature take them on a scavenger hunt!  A GPS is an essential tool for participating in this fun activity plus it’s a great way to teach your kids some survival skills.  

6)Fleece Beanie

Not so much for Summer but for parts of the other seasons wearing a good hat can make the difference between having a great time and it sucking wind.  The trick is to get one that wicks moisture but will also keep you warm.  Hence why I suggest a fleece beanie.  They are comfortable, wick moisture, and keeps my noggin’ warm.  (Again, I love the Tailin’ Toad Beaniez.  I’m not on their Pro Staff or anything.  I just love their products!)

7)Pedometer or similar

Having a device that tracks your steps can be a huge asset to knowing how much activity you’ve had in a day.  There are days where I thought I was a rockstar only to find out that I wasn’t.  And vise versa.  There are many brands out there, but I love my Fitbit watch.  It does a lot more than just count steps, it measures my heart rate, estimates calories burned, offers workouts, timers, tracks my sleep, and much much more.  Knowing more about your sleeping and life habits can help you adjust as needed to maximize what you can!

8)Cross Country Ski’s

Let’s get back to Winter.  With Snow taking over the majority of the United States for a couple months it’s important to get out, get some fresh air, and bust out a fun workout.  Many city parks, and ski areas having cross country scales.  Just do a quick search and you will be amazed at how many there are near you.  You can rent them at first but then get your own pair and you can start creating your own trails and see some virgin snow.  

Cross Country Ski’s

9) Bicycle

Whether it’s a Fat Tire Bicycle for winter trail riding, a mountain bike for riding the trails the other times of the year, or a road bicycle it’s hard to go wrong.  Not only are these a great source of transportation they will get your blood pumping and you’ll be scorching some calories.  Plus, you can check on your hunting grounds, scope out new areas, or just get some fresh air!

10) Action Camera

You’re outside, getting fit, and rocking it!  Capture your experiences and share them with your friends and family!  There are many action cameras on the market.  I’ve tried a number and really like Go Pro’s cameras.  (I’m not affiliated at all.)  They are relatively easy to use, have a sharp image, and are very easy to carry with you no matter what activity you are doing!  I’d love to see what you’re doing!  Take some pictures or videos are share them with me on social media.  Just take Jonesin’ to get Fit!