Commit to be Fit: Don’t just dream — achieve that dream

During my time as a telephonic wellness coach, I had the privilege of working with clients across six different states, one of which was South Dakota. This picturesque state is home to the renowned Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — an annual event held in August that draws motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the country. As our family celebrated the Fourth of July this week, we saw many riders united on the road, and it instantly brought back memories of a remarkable coaching client I had the pleasure of working with, whom I’ll refer to as “Bill.”

I hope Bill’s story will inspire you, as it has profoundly inspired me. During a coaching session, Bill vividly recalled the day he became infatuated with a pristine Harley-Davidson motorcycle. After seeing the bike, he asked the salesperson if he could sit on it, fully aware that the Harley was way beyond his means. Even though he knew he couldn’t afford it at the time, he told me he knew he was going to find a way to make that bike his own.

Bill had just started a brand-new job as a truck driver, and after his visit at the dealership, he mentioned that he had a whole new purpose at his job. With his end goal in mind, he began working smarter and harder. His manager and co-workers noticed. Bill’s new motivation was purpose-driven: he was driven by a passion to own the motorcycle he fell in love with at the dealership.

To fuel his motivation, Bill confessed that he would stop by the dealership every Monday after work to sit on his dream bike, “No joke,” he chuckled, “Everyone at the dealership knew me and they knew my bike.”

As a result of his hard work, Bill doubled his salary in less than two years and was promoted to manager. When he walked into the dealership with $16,500 cash to purchase his new motorcycle, the owner of the dealership threw him a party.

Bill’s story is a perfect example of how purpose-driven motivation works. Bill knew exactly what he wanted and as a result, his behaviors, actions and work ethic aligned with his vision to achieve his audacious goal.

So, what do you want? Clarity is your power when defining goals.

Get clear on your direction

Take time to envision your goal, because you can't get “there” without knowing where “there” is. Without an end-goal, how will you pick your next steps? A ship without a destination is pretty much just a ship lost at sea. You may be on board paddling really hard, but unfortunately, you could just be using a lot of energy to go nowhere in particular.

Vague goals result in vague results

When setting ambiguous goals, we open the door to uncertain outcomes. Without clear direction and specific targets, our efforts often become unfocused and progress becomes hazy. Precise, measurable objectives are necessary to drive focused action.

Clarity is power

Identify a purpose for your efforts and you will be empowered to reach your goals.

As a result of his hard work and having an end goal, Bill was able to ride his dream bike in Sturgis that year … a dream come true. What will you choose to do to ensure that, like Bill, you have the joy of achieving one of your dreams?

Kylie Alger is a certified wellness coach and co-owner of the Well-Woman: Body, Mind & Spirit. Comments: kylie@thewellwoman.org.