There is simply no way to overstress the importance of goal setting when you want to build muscle mass. Denis Watley, an American author, has said, “The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don’t define them, or ever seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them.”
The fact is that you will not achieve your ultimate (final) muscle mass-building goal unless you make a plan and set achievable goals that will help you reach your destination. Your final goal is too far away to be obtainable. The only way you can reach that final goal is by setting small and achievable goals that will lead you to your final goal.
Here’s the way you do that:
1. Final Goals List: Get a piece of paper and pencil and write down your ultimate bodybuilding goals. Be specific. Write down your goal weight, waist measurement, arm measurement, etc. Be realistic. Think of this final goals list as a destination as though you were going on a road trip. You are in New York and you want to be in California. You’re going to walk.
2. Short-Term Goals List: Now plan your trip. You can’t just get from where you are to where you want to be all in one fell swoop. You must get there one small step at a time. Remember that success does breed success. When you successfully accomplish meeting a short-term goal, the success will inspire you to keep going to meet your next short-term goal.
Your short-term goals should be the weight, waist measurement, arm measurement, etc. that you expect to achieve in one month.
3. Each month, make a new short-term goals list, and as you make progress each month, you will be getting closer and closer to achieving your final goal.