According to the research fewer than 3% of people write down their goals.
Goals are simply destinations, and it’s hard to reach a destination when you don’t know where you are going.
But it’s just as hard if you don’t know where you’re starting.
Determining 1) where you are, and 2) where you want to go, is imperative to reach your desired outcome. Obvious, right?
This idea is universal, and applies just as well to you and me, as it does to your members.
If you want to drastically boost the effectiveness of your program -- if you want to change the lives of your clients (and yourself) more effectively -- you’re in the right place.
One of the single most important things you can do is help your members SET and ACHIEVE their goals.
But how do you do that? What are the steps?
Well that’s what this article is about and we’ll provide practical guidance on how to make it happen.
At Level Method, consistent goal setting is a crucial measurement of success that we’ve built into our platform.
Level Method assessments frame the conversation around your clients’ goals and then amplifies them!
But even if you aren’t using Level Method we’ll cover what you need to know so you can be super successful.
We are going to talk about:
- The benefits of goal sessions ( for both Members and the Gym)
- Goal session logistics (Prep, Scheduling, Timing, etc…)
- How to conduct the Goal Session ( what to ask, determining the big WHY, building SMART goals)
- Examples of good and bad goals
- What NOT to do
- Using Level Method Platform for Goal Sessions
Benefits of Goal Sessions
If your clients have no goals, they’re going to leave.
If not now, in time. Even the clients who just wants to “get a good sweat in” will leave.
Everyone at your gym is there for a reason.
The fastest way to help someone get what they want, and understand their why, is through coaching sessions (which we call goal setting sessions).
Now, be warned, not everyone likes the word “goal.” It can add pressure -- so when we say that word, we’re really just describing the person’s desired outcome.
This is an important distinction, because by knowing their desired outcome, we can simply change the language to suit them. At Level Method Gym we’ve called goal setting sessions “Results Sessions,” for a long time.
The point is, what you call it can vary… what’s important is the underlying purpose.
Now, think of a few folks who have been at your gym the longest. Do they set goals? Are they relatively independent? Do they understand what’s going on?
Chances are, yes for all.
Now think of someone who has just joined. How do they compare? They’re probably none of those things. And they’re probably not totally clear on why they joined.
Vague answers like: to lose weight, gain strength, feel better will show up. But without a target, or a way to measure progress, one day they wake up and realize they haven’t been going to the gym at all… but they have been paying.
And then you get the dreaded email: Re: My Membership
Contrast that with the person who has a strong and quantifiable goal with purpose behind it!
That person is likely motivated, process oriented, and consistent.
While some people are naturally this way, the vast majority need help and guidance in clarifying their why and understanding how to achieve what they want.
When you help people get what they want, like Zig says in the quote above, you’ll get everything you want. These aren’t tricks to squeeze another dollar out of someone -- they are deeply rooted laws, that when obeyed create satisfaction and fulfillment for all involved.
When you’re a piece of the solution-puzzle in someone’s life, they’ll care more, and so will you. Your relationships with your clients will be more meaningful.
You’ll understand what’s driving them. Even if their goal doesn’t seem fitness related, like to be a better parent, or a more successful business person, you know that fitness & health are the roots & soil.
More energy, stamina, and confidence help in all areas of life -- but you already know that.
It’s not just about losing weight, it’s about being an example for others, achieving success, and getting the most out of life.
But you know that too! So now that you’re clear on the benefits, let’s talk specifics.
Goal Session Logistics
What separates an ok business from a great one? Systems.
We could jump right into the HOW of doing a goal session, but before we do you’ve got to understand the value of repeatable systems and standards.
Doing a thing one time is great, but power comes from consistency. Before you get started, define the framework.
When will they happen? When someone joins? At certain times of year?
Who will conduct them? You? Any coach? Specifically trained coaches?
How are they done? In person? Video call? Phone Call? Email?
What do the reminders look like? (so people actually show up)
What’s the follow up look like? Does it include a written summary with clear action items?
Once you have figured out your process, then how are you going to educate all those involved? To coaches on the process and their role as well as members and the value these sessions so they see them as a huge value add.
Our advice is to keep it SIMPLE.
Every member gets a 30 minute Goal Session as soon as they sign up as a part of their onboarding, and then after that we schedule a new 15 to 30 minute session every 3 to 4 months to examine the progress made and make new goals.
Now Part II of Goal Sessions is where we get to the life-changing stuff, really diving into the session, what questions to ask, how to create SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based) goals. We’ll also share good and bad examples and even show you how to conduct and track goal sessions in the Level Method Platform. CLICK HERE
