Goals, Goals, and more Goals!!!

During a time where each day feels like it may be dragging minute by minute, it can be hard to find the motivation to do anything, but we have to remember to try to look on the bright side. This is an opportune time for everyone to work on something they’ve always wanted to do. Maybe that is taking up a new hobby, like yoga, or maybe it is reaching out to more people virtually. Whatever your goal is make sure that it is important to you.

I have learned first-hand how setting goals for myself has given me a new sense of purpose each day. Currently, I am training to run a half marathon. Yes, 13.1 miles of running is my goal by the beginning of May of this year. I know this goal is huge and it will not happen overnight. The best way to obtain a huge goal is to set small goals along the way. I am following a training plan that has set out the number of miles I need to run four times a week for 17 weeks. Even though this will not be an easy goal, I am ready for the challenge. This has been a goal of mine since I ran my first 5K during my freshmen year of college.

The most important part about setting goals is that they need to be important to you. Don’t set a goal because you think it will make your parents proud or impress your friends. Make sure it means something to you. Another tip for setting goals is that you can’t be too hard on yourself. It is ok if you fall off the wagon one day as long as you get back on track, it is no big deal. I have certainly missed a couple of running days so far, and that is ok! The last tip to setting goals is to make sure you work up to your goals. Sadly, goals take time and normally lots of time. I have been slowly working my way up to running a half marathon since my freshmen year. I ran a couple of 5Ks, then I ran my first 5 miler in October 2020, and then a quarter marathon (6.55 miles) in November 2020. Goals can seem intimidating in the beginning, but if they are important to you, they will be well worth doing.

Written by Emily Dengler