Gym Shorts: Shoot for realistic goals (not gaol)
Goals. We talk about goals like they are a must. We throw the term around often and so glibly at the beginning of each year. Are we really going to stick to them? We might as well switch two letters and change it to the old medieval word “gaol,” because sometimes goals can feel like you’ve put yourself in the slammer. Some types of goals, after all, can tend to make you feel caged in - am I right?
Naturally, we all have goals in life. The trick is to not have goals that take you to a hollow place.
It’s important not to rush any goal or goals you’re contemplating putting into action. My advice is to take your time. Do your research. Make sure it is something that will bring you joy in life. Don’t make it so challenging that you can’t achieve it. Perhaps start by setting your bar low. (This is particularly effective when starting new physical activities.) Be realistic about your goals. This will allow you to celebrate each win … each small step as you work toward achieving a goal.
Speaking of being realistic … well, I have three
fantasy goals I will share with you.
The first one is to win Dancing With The Stars with American actor Jason Momoa. I picture myself being flung far into the air by this mad-lad as I not-so-gracefully bounce (hard) onto the floor. Jason scoops me up into his mighty arms, and I am lost in the dream of a dance. So what if my knee replacements are screaming bloody murder for putting them through this tortuous routine.
This is as close as Kim Dixon got to Dancing With The Stars as a volunteer for the 2022 Big Brothers Big Sisters fund-raising event
I know this life goal will never happen, but hey, life is about dreaming is it not? (Funnily enough, I’d like to think I came pretty close to this, since I worked alongside an amazing all-volunteer team to produce the successful 2022 Dancing With The Stars fund-raising event for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron.)
I should add that I do indeed dance today. That was a goal of mine after my knee replacements. While not dancing at the calibre of the Dancing With The Stars competitors, my husband and I enjoy dancing with the bands at the Kincardine Pavilion each summer.
Kim Dixon (left) and her husband, Jim David, dancing to the Lighthouse Blues Band at the Pavilion
My second goal in life is to score the winning goal in the Stanley Cup. Yeah, come on, who has not wondered what it would feel like to sit atop the padded shoulders of your fellow hockey teammates on that particular win? Although, my dream cloud on this goal is once again burst like the predictable bubble it is. Let’s not even talk about the knees as there are so many other practical things that keep this goal well beyond my reach. (Let me add that while I do not skate, I do enjoy all kinds of others sports, and yes, the focus on fitness and keeping limber continues to be one of my life goals.)
Then there’s that third wistful goal of being on stage. Now, you might think I wanted to be one of those great leading actors, but you would be wrong. Sorry, being a lead actor in a Shakespearean role, or any other role, doesn’t do it for me. It’s the comedy stage I hanker after with this goal. Alas, it is a lark that I seek. (I will only do my comedy spiel for family and friends, and my unsuspecting gym buddies. You all know who you are!)
While these three fantasy goals of mine are fun, fabulous and forged, a person can dream. So if you’re serious about your life goals, pick something realistic, and something you can enjoy and learn from while on the journey to achieving it.
Start with the best goals of all: to be humble, to be kind, and to treat everyone the way you want to be treated. These are honourable and healthy goals. But, most importantly, be true to yourself in this new year.
Oh, and exercise those knees, since you never know if you will end up being on Dancing With The Stars here in Bruce County!
As a reminder, you should always consult first with a medical professional or coach before starting a fitness program.
Kim Dixon (left) having fun trying out a new sport at the gym with coach Eden McFarlane
Written ByKim Dixon started her career in journalism in Manitoba, and was a writer for both non-profit and corporate clients. She writes short stories and is active with the area’s Writers' BLOC. She is also a volunteer VON fitness instructor in Kincardine. Jan. 1, 2025, she took her first polar plunge into Lake Huron.
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