Score your goals!

You spend so much time developing strategies for your career advancement. But how long do you spend on your health (which, I’ve said before, boosts the bottom line too)? Resolutions fall by the wayside— until picked up and dusted off next December. No time, you say. With 25 years spent in a corporate job—at a desk, in meetings, on flights—I can empathize. But just as I made a start a few years ago, you can too.

Also See My goals for 2009 (PDF)

Target practice

• List the aspects of your health in which you expect or desire improvement, and make a plan. For more stamina, you could take up swimming. If you want a smaller waistline, maybe you should stop the mindless snacking.

Also Read Treadmill’s previous columns

• Learn what your health parameters should be and set your fitness goals. Break it up into quarterly goals.

• Make your quarterly appointments with the doctor; get your gym or fitness centre membership—today!

Focus on the goal, not the competition

I may be fitter than you in some ways, worse off in others. Or vice versa. This is not about you vs anyone else; it is about you now and what you want to be by next year.

For instance, I run marathons and that may be totally irrelevant to you; but a goal of “run a 5km race” may be right for you, because it’s a simple sport with big benefits.

Keep score

Record your status at the end of each quarter. This will keep you focused and realistic. It will also help you see where you’re falling short and figure out why.

Build a winning team

A great way to stay on track is to do this with a friend, colleague or spouse. You will motivate each other, and you’ll be surprised how much of a difference it can make, especially on days when you need to be dragged into action.

Keep the goal in sight

Pin your plan over your desk, make it your PC wallpaper, stick it on your mirror—so you will see it every day.

Rahul S. Verghese is a management consultant and founder of runningandliving.com

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