Setting goals: What’s your ‘why’?

As I mull over my own fall running and climbing goals, and chat with my patients and coaching clients about theirs, I’ve been thinking about this question:

What is it that sparks the goals we choose?

One thing that has fueled my love for trail running specifically is the feeling of challenge and curiosity about where I can explore with a couple hours and my own two feet.

I’ve noticed that if this feeling is one of the drivers behind a running goal I set, I’m much more likely to stick with it - and to enjoy the process.

When I’m with with other runners, I sometimes feel myself absorbing excitement about others’ goals. You’re trying for a new 10k PR? Maybe I should try for a 10k PR! You’re entering the lottery for that particular marathon? Maybe I should do that too!

When you get deeply involved in a sport and its community, being inspired and influenced by those around you is a common side effect. Most of the time, this is a positive thing. But sometimes, it can start to muddy your clarity on which goals are truly yours.

You might be familiar with the feeling: If you’ve done a half marathon, you ‘should’ do a full marathon next; if you’ve completed a full marathon, you ‘should’ try to break 4 hours, or 3:30, or 3 hours, or complete an ultra. If you’ve climbed 5.11a on top rope, you ‘should’ set your sights on leading 5.11b; if you’re a boulderer, you ‘should’ keep moving up through the V grades. If you’ve done a half Ironman, you ‘should’ do a full Ironman.

The problem is, when you’re working towards a goal - whether a performance goal or a rehab-related goal - not every day is going to feel as shiny and exciting as the day you set the goal. There are going to be days that feel like a grind or a slog. And if the goal really doesn’t mean much to you personally… why would you show up on these days?

This is especially true with injury rehab. As anyone who has been injured knows, sometimes rehab is tedious, sometimes progress is not linear, and sometimes you’d rather just check out.

A goal that you truly connect with is going to anchor you to your “why”. And if you have this anchor, when the going gets tough, it will be easier to remind yourself of why you’re here… and where you’re going.

So ask yourself:

What’s the spark that ignited your goal?

And what’s the bigger “why” that keeps you moving towards it?