The first thing I like to do when working with a client is to ask them to answer some simple questions as honestly as they can. The answers don’t need to be lengthy so it only takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Here are some sample questions:
- What is your overall current health and fitness goal?
- How would you know you’ve achieved it?
- What would it really mean to you if you could achieve it?
- When would you like to achieve it by?
- How motivated are you to take action towards your goal on a scale of 1 to 10 (1=least motivated; 10=ready to start right now)?
- What would you like to see happen in the next:
- 5 weeks?
- 6 months?
- 12 months?
- What barriers have stopped you in the past from achieving your goal?
- How are you going to overcome those barriers?
If you answer those questions as honestly as you can, the answers will help you to set out your overall plan of action and keep you focused on your end result.
Here are some example answers to the above questions:
1. What is your overall health and fitness goal?
To lose 21 lbs in body weight.
2. How would you know you’ve achieved it?
Use scales to measure my weight and will feel the difference. Clothes will fit again.
3. What would it mean to you if you could achieve it?
It would give me great self confidence and self esteem.
4. When would you like to achieve it by?
31 July 2013.
5. How motivated are you to take action towards your goal on a scale of 1 to 10 (1=least motivated; 10=ready to start right now)?
10.
6. What would you like to see happen in the next:
- 5 weeks?
- 6 months?
- 12 months?
In 5 weeks, I would like to lose at least 7 lbs, be more active and increase my body strength. In 6 months, I would like to have achieved my goal of losing 21 lbs and then been able to control my weight without dieting. In 12 months, I would like to be stronger, fitter and healthier overall. I would then feel confident in my clothes and be more outgoing as a result.
7. What barriers have stopped you in the past from achieving your goal?
Too busy with the kids and work so not enough spare time to exercise. Also, tended to eat ‘convenience’ foods as it saved time.
8. How are you going to overcome those barriers?
I will be more prepared with my food shopping by ordering it online every Monday morning. I will also set aside 30 minutes every day just for me so that I can fit in my exercise. My partner will look after the kids when I do this.
My Overall Plan – Summary
“From my answers, my plan is to achieve a healthier lifestyle within 12 months. I will become fitter and stronger and gain more self confidence. I will achieve this by dedicating enough time to exercise and cook fresh, healthy meals. I will also increase my daily activity levels and remember to drink more water. All of this will mean I am fitter when around the kids.”
My Overall Goal – Summary
“My goal is to lose 21 lbs in body weight by 31 July 2013. I will measure my progress by using body scales and I will feel the difference in my clothes.”