Fall is a great time to set a goal!

Hi, friends!

Since we're about a week into September by now, I thought I'd take this post to share a big fall goal I've set for myself with you! I've found that it helps to declare my goals--out loud, on paper, on my blog--because it keeps me accountable. When I share my goals with others, I feel a certain level of responsibility to stay on track and share my progress. It really does keep me honest, and the motivation and inspiration I feel from the support others give me is priceless. I dare you to try sharing your next goal with others and see what a difference it makes in the experience of going after it!

This goal was inspired by a photo I saw on a blog I like to read. It's of a woman with strong, sculpted shoulders and absolutely enviable abs. She even has the coveted "v-cut" abs that have positively eluded me since I started weight training! I saw this photo and had on of those "a-ha" moments.

Tara Ballard, trainer over at Jillfit.com, as a self-proclaimed "cardio queen"
and then as a reformed and totally ripped strength trainer!

I knew, immediately and without a shadow of a doubt, that I wanted those abs and I would stop at nothing to get them. I hurriedly scribbled down my goal, being as specific as possible, and what I would need to do to achieve it in the time frame I had given myself--4 months. Here is what I came up with:

1) Exercise: Workout 5-6 days a week; 2-3 days of strength training/lifting; 1-2 days of cardio; and 1-2 days of active recovery (yoga, brisk walking, Pilates, etc.)
2) Diet: Plan all my meals ahead of time whenever possible; make sure all meals are balanced; up the ratio of protein to carbs and fat; and always have a protein shake after a heavy strength training/lifting workout; try to reduce carb intake in general and stick to more Paleo/primal "friendly" foods
3) Get buy in/Declare my goal: tell friends, family, and others and ask for support and encouragement; write it on my blog
4) Track my progress: Take frequent "progress photos" to keep me honest and invested

Today's Day 4 of working towards this goal, and I'm doing alright so far! I'm sticking to my workout schedule--even if that means a 10 p.m. workout some nights!--eating clean and tight, and took my first "progress" pic.

Yikes! This is totally embarrassing!

Defffffffinitely not the most flattering of pics, but I'm hoping that feeling so exposed keeps me honest and accountable throughout this journey, and keeps my eyes on the prize--that final, rockin' pic!

Here's to a great September--make those goals HAPPEN!

xo, Hilary