To create your own health and fitness goals, identify what you want to achieve, or an area you want to improve on, and then focus on the active steps you need to take to achieve that goal.

Your goals should be specific, realistic and measurable.

Effective goal setting involves more than just having a vague idea of what you want to achieve. You need to get specific. Saying you want to get in shape in the new year isn’t specific. Saying you want to achieve a set number of repetitions of an exercise, for example, 12 pull-ups or lift a specific weight or run a personal best time over a set distance all are better goals to have. This makes each goal measurable and can help keep you on track.

Keeping your goals realistic and achievable is also the key to success. If you decide to commit to five evening workouts at the gym per week when it doesn't suit your lifestyle, then this might not be a relevant or realistic goal for you. Adjust your goal to align better with your lifestyle.

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