Being Consistent Requires Experimenting More Than Goal Setting

You Need to Enjoy What You Do to be Consistent

Throughout life, we can all recall times and goals that required being consistent to finish. Graduating high school, finishing a losing sports season, doing a job to make ends meet, or other activities that had an end result. Face it, for many just finishing these foundational events were the best days. You found a way to tough it out even though you did not thoroughly enjoy it and you finished regardless. While you may have hated some of your history, it is what makes you tougher today.

Fast forward to creating challenging personal health, relationships, and professional goals when you do not have to. These have the opportunity to take a path that you actually enjoy and to be honest, it is much more difficult to remain consistent if you are not finding something in your life that is enjoyable. You have to experiment and try new things to find what you enjoy - so never stop looking.

Instead of creating a set of goals that you know will require inspiration, motivation, habit building, discipline, resilience and mental toughness, consider setting an experiment. How does the word experiment sound compared to goal setting? For me, experimenting feels easier, is more exciting, and regardless of the results, it never seems like a failure if it doesn't work. But it definitely feels like a success if it does! 

For instance, one of the reasons why I think I have been consistent with fitness, athletics, training, and coaching all of my life (42 years now) is that I focus primarily on experimenting. Plus, I enjoy working out and writing / talking about it. Always have. Yes, I have underlying goals like to get bigger, make a sports team, graduate high school/college, crush a fitness test, or become a Navy SEAL, but the original football / pilot goal changed to becoming a spec ops recruit and playing rugby was from experimenting with something new that seemed interesting. The process was largely experimenting with what worked best for me. Check out my first Navy SEAL led workout.  

Experimentation introduces a different spirit into your fitness routine. Each new activity you try teaches you about your preferences, strengths, and even those areas that need growth. You may find that you love group classes for the camaraderie, or perhaps solo hikes allow for moments of reflection and peace. By sampling a variety of workouts, you’ll discover what you genuinely enjoy, helping you build a sustainable fitness practice.

Adding more flexibility / Mobility Training was an experiment born out of necessity.  Mobility Day creation. (also helped with Treading)

Beyond establishing preferences, the importance of consistency cannot be overstated. However, consistency in this context doesn’t mean showing up for an obligatory workout every day. Instead, it’s about regularly engaging in those activities that spark excitement—creating habits that feel less like obligations and more like cherished rituals - something you cannot live without. 

Finally, consider how the principles of experimentation and enjoyment can intersect with your personal health and professional goals. When you experiment with fitness, you not only cultivate a healthier lifestyle but also nurture resilience, patience, and adaptability—qualities that can positively influence your approach to challenges in other areas of life.

 

Why continue to stress over goal setting when fitness can be a fulfilling adventure? Find out how to create sustainable, healthy habits by tuning into activities that excite you! Head over to StewSmithFitness.com and start transforming your approach to fitness today. Your fitness journey for life is just a click away! 


But the Seasonal Tactical Fitness Programs Will Build Optimal Performance and Specifically Address Weaknesses Each Phase

Consider the long-term training system of the seasonal tactical fitness model as it offers the opportunity never to neglect your weaknesses, helps with flexibility and mobility, and will also put you at a level of physical abilities where you are happy with your overall ability to just about anything. We have a system where the strengths and weaknesses dictate our training. Check it out: What is Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization?.    

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Discover the Secret to Unlocking Your Best Health After 50 (latest program developed)

As you cross the wonderful milestone of 50, you might find that your body doesn’t quite bounce back the way it used to. You’re not alone in this—many men and women in your age group are searching for ways to revive their fitness levels without feeling overwhelmed. That’s where longtime coach and fitness writer Stew Smith’s newest book, "The Ageless Athlete: Fitness Over 50," comes into play. This book may just be the spark you need to ignite your fitness journey.

Truth is, there are people over 60 and 70 doing this workout. Even the advanced section. It works and will help you progress from beginner to intermediate to advanced. 


Remember, as you age, your training needs to adapt.


Have you been thinking about getting back in shape but don’t know where to start?

Imagine waking up each day with more energy, flexibility, and the drive to embrace life head-on. Stew Smith, a seasoned fitness expert with 56 years of experience, has crafted a program specifically for guys like you—men who may feel overwhelmed by fitness options or unsure what’s suitable for their age. With his 22-week plan tailored to beginners, intermediates, and advanced practitioners, you will find exactly what you need to suit your current fitness level.

New Tactical Fitness Training Course!

Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.

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Need Programming for Fitness Tests and Beyond?  We are all about getting you TO and THROUGH your future training program.  See how that works.  

New Tactical Fitness Training Course!

Getting TO the training does not guarantee you get THROUGH the training. Learn about the two phases of tactical fitness you need to develop thoroughly before getting to BUDS. Check out the Online Course - Getting TO and THROUGH Special Ops Selection.

Where to Find More Information About Optimal Performance Training Programs

When you start training again, consider the seasonal tactical fitness model.  I call it A WAY to train and obviously not the only way to train. But it offers the opportunity to never neglect your weaknesses, improves flexibility and mobility, and puts you at a level of physical ability where you are happy with your overall ability to do just about anything. We have a system where the seasons dictate our training. When it is nicer outside, we tend to run and do more calisthenics.  When it is colder and not so nice, we lift more, run less, and still maintain our outdoor activities with shorter runs and rucks. Check it out: Seasonal Tactical Fitness Periodization System.  

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The dashboard below has the links to all the information, archives, videos, and links to workouts, podcasts, live Q and A lessons. 

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Best of all, if you have questions, email Stew Smith himself (Stew@stewsmithfitness.com).  Join the tactical fitness group discussions, latest articles, LIVE QA videos, swim critiques, podcasts, and much more at the Stew Smith Tactical Fitness Training Closed Group on Skool.

 

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2 comments

Nice work. My advice is add in an upper body day a few days a week and a few mobility days as well.

Stew •

I’m turning 71 this month, I think I’ve found something that will keep me interested. I do squat and deadlift twice a week but I need more! Thank you.

Joe •

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