Becoming an Ironwoman: 5 essential steps to goal setting

As I write this blog, I am rapidly approaching the end of a week’s holiday in the South of France where I have enjoyed pool days, hot weather, a questionable amount of flaky pastry and some rather heated games of beach boules. 

Whist I’ve had a great holiday, I am returning to start my journey towards some pretty big health and fitness goals.  To be specific 2024 will see me compete in the Paris Marathon and the Aix-En-Provence Half Ironman.   I am sure most of you will be familiar with a marathon, but for those of you who don’t know what a half Ironman entails it is an endurance race that involves a 1.2-mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run, all completed consecutively.  I have competed in sprint distance triathlons before, but this is definitely a step outside of my comfort zone and I also need to balance these goals with running a business and managing family life ,and as such it will require determination, commitment, and some meticulous goal setting with the support of a skilled coach. 

Whether it's sports, health, personal development, or business; setting clear and achievable goals provides a roadmap to success.  As a solo female entrepreneur, it is likely that you’ve done plenty of goal setting for your business and you probably understand how powerful of a tool the process is in order to achieve your ambitions.  However, as the success of your business relies heavily on your own wellbeing, planning your health and business goals simultaneously is the perfect strategy to be able to better manage your time, avoid burnout, and create a positive work-life balance.

Here are my top 5 tips for setting and reaching your goals.  I’m also going to explain how I will be using those tips to make sure that I reach my ambitions of becoming an Ironwoman whilst continuing to grow my business.

1.  Be specific and clear

Clearly define your goals and be as specific as possible.  Vague or ambiguous goals can be challenging to reach as they lead to a lack of direction.  Setting SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) will help to give you clear objectives.  Wanting to be healthier is a great ambition but it doesn’t provide direction.  Specifying that you are going to exercise for at least 30 minutes five times a week is a clear, specific and measurable goal that gives you structure and allows you to easily measure your progress.

For me this will look like defining some precise objectives like improving my swim technique and enhancing my running endurance, and I’ll be using metrics like distance covered and heart rate to measure my progress.  For you this could be aiming to drink 2l of water per day to ensure you stay hydrated helping to improve the quality of your sleep, your cognition and your mood and making important businesses decisions easier to make.

2.  Break down your goals into smaller steps

Large goals can seem overwhelming and demotivating.  Divide your goals into smaller, manageable steps or milestones. This approach makes them seem more achievable and allows you to track your progress effectively.  Celebrate each small success to help keep you motivated to continue working towards your ultimate goal.

I’ll be spending the next 4 months building my strength and endurance through consistent strength and cardiovascular workouts and trying to lose some body fat by ensuring I’m in a calorie deficit.  Putting strong foundations in place upon which to build is important whether it’s your health you’re trying to improve or your business you are trying to grow.

3.  Set realistic and challenging goals

You want your goals to be challenging but they also need to be realistic.  Overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration but go too easy and it’s not likely to inspire growth.  Set targets that stretch your capabilities but are still within reach with dedication and effort.

I have competed in a range of different sporting events over the years and even though I’m always striving for a better time or performance, there’s a small part of me that knows that in many cases I can turn up on the day and make it through which means missing the odd session or not consistently putting in a 100% effort doesn’t necessarily have any consequences.  A half Ironman is just far enough outside of my comfort zone to know that I can’t wing it and that sticking to the plan is essential.

If you aren’t where you want to be with your health or your business right now what goals will push you outside of your comfort zone but still allow you to keep growing?

4.  Create a plan and stay organised

A goal without a plan is just a wish!  Develop a clear plan of action to achieve your goals.  Outline each step you need to take, any resources you might require and set yourself deadlines for each milestone.  Use tools like to-do lists, calendars or goal tracking apps to stay organised and monitor your progress on a regular basis.  A well-structured plan will help to keep you focused and accountable.

I’ll be following a dedicated plan with a range of workouts to complete.  To make sure I get them done I’ll be scheduling them in my work diary and allocate blocks of time to complete them just like I would any other task and I’ll get the same buzz from marking them off my to-do list when they are done.  If the thought of adding exercise to your weekly to do list is completely overwhelming, why not try the 10-minute rule. Commit to just 10 minutes of whatever exercise you choose to keep your body moving and empower your mind. Once you start to feel the benefits, you'll be ready to go longer!

5.  Stay persistent and flexible

Persistence is key when you are pursuing your goals.  Challenges and setbacks are normal, but don’t let them derail you.  Stay committed and keep pushing forward, adapting your approach if needed.  Flexibility is essential to accommodate unexpected changes or obstacles along the way.  Remember that setbacks are an opportunity to learn and grow.

Bonus Tip: Get A Coach

Getting a coach can significantly enhance your chances of reaching your goals.  They bring expertise and experience to the table gained from years of training which can help you to avoid common pitfalls, keep you accountable through regular check ins and feedback and ultimately accelerate your progress.  A good coach is also there to be your personal cheerleader, they will offer constructive criticism, celebrate your wins and help to motivate you on the days when you’re finding it tough.

I’m working with my own coach and together we have produced a plan that is specific to my goals, needs and lifestyle.  Whatever your goals, there is likely to be a generic plan you can download from the internet, but it won’t take into account your strengths and weaknesses or the unique circumstances of a busy solo female entrepreneur.

What are you waiting for?

Prioritising your health can have a significant impact on the success of your business by providing you with the energy and focus you need to tackle changes, make strategic decisions, and handle stress more effectively.  Therefore, by setting goals and investing in your health in the same way that you would your business you will be empowered to achieve your dreams and push forward even further than you thought possible.

Need support improving your health whilst trying to run a business?

Hi, I’m Debbie, a wellbeing coach supporting female entrepreneurs to harness the power of small changes so that they can make a big difference to their health and their business, without adding to the overwhelm!

Do you want friendly no-nonsense help to avoid burnout, boost your energy, power up your productivity and be a bolder, more confident you?

Why not book a free 15 minute virtual coffee and let’s have a chat!

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