Setting SMART Cycling Goals to Motivate Your Biking Efforts

Let’s face it- our cycling goals often set us up for failure. No matter how eager we may be on January 1^st to begin working towards new goals, by February or March we have all but forgotten about them. How can create brilliant cycling goals for the new year that are reasonable and achievable, and inspire us to better things?

Crafting Cycling Goals that Motivate You To Success

Before you come up with your cycling goals for the year, take some time to reflect upon the previous year. Have you been an active cyclist, competing in many races and commuting to work on your bike each day? Or have you been more of a couch potato, going out for the occasional ride on a sunny day? Be honest with yourself about your current abilities and level of fitness.

Once you assess your present level of fitness, it is time to create some goals for the new year. I like to use the SMART goals technique, especially when setting fitness goals.

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SMART Goals Technique:

Many different SMART goals exist, but the ones I choose are:

S: Stretching –  There’s no point in setting a goal that you will easily reach in a week or two. Your goal should stretch you, and be something that will require real effort.

M: Measurable – Your goals should be easily measured. Instead of “I want to bike more often than I currently do,” try “I want to bike for at least five hours each week.” Include specifics that can be tracked, like number of miles, time on the bike, or speed.

A: Achievable – There is no point in setting a goal that is impossible (or nearly impossible) to achieve. Your goals should require real time and effort, but do not aim so high that you give up in a realization that you cannot meet your fitness New Year’s resolution.

R: Rewarding – What will you do when you attain your cycling goals? Will you participate in a website like Yes.Fit where you receive a medal for finishing races? Will you treat yourself to some new gear? Will you put away $5 each day you bike to save towards a new bike? Make sure to take the time to reward yourself!

T: Trackable – Data is a wonderful thing! When motivation lags, it can be very exciting to focus on just how far you have come. Take the time to track your progress towards your goal. You may track weight loss, miles ridden, time on the bike, speed- whatever will motivate you!

Now the fun begins! Set aside time each week to consider your cycling goals. Have you achieved greatness during the week, or did circumstances prevent you from giving it your all? Reward your successes and remember to be gentle with yourself when you experience a setback.

By crafting SMART cycling goals, you will be amazed to see your cycling prowess soar! As bicycling enthusiasts and bicycle crash attorneys, we are very goal-oriented and work to achieve results, both on our bikes and for our clients. Ride safely, meet those goals, and remember Kass & Moses if you are involved in a crash.