Set It, Sweat It, Achieve It: Reaching Your Activity Goals
Did you know that staying active doesn’t have to mean doing the same workout every day or running laps around the gym? Being active can be fun, creative, and totally unique to you!
Whether you love shooting hoops, dancing in your room, biking around your neighborhood, or just racing your dog in the backyard, movement matters—and it can actually help you feel more confident, focused, and full of energy.
Step 1: Find What You Love
Start by asking yourself:
What activities make me smile or feel excited?
Do I like to move alone, with friends, or on a team?
Do I prefer fast and competitive or slow and relaxing?
Maybe you love swimming because it helps you feel calm. Or maybe you’re into martial arts because it makes you feel strong. Even walking your dog counts—especially if you turn it into a daily challenge!
Remember: You don’t have to be the best. You just have to enjoy it!
Step 2: Set a Realistic Goal
Now that you know what you enjoy, try setting a goal that’s specific and doable.
Here are some examples:
“I want to do 20 jumping jacks without stopping.”
“I will bike for 15 minutes every day after school.”
“I want to learn how to juggle a soccer ball 10 times in a row.”
Goals should challenge you but not feel impossible. Think about something that excites you just enough to work toward it!
Step 3: Track Your Progress
You don’t need a fancy app or a journal (unless you want one!). A simple notebook or calendar works great. Write down what you did each day. For example:
Monday: Walked the dog for 15 minutes
Tuesday: Played soccer with friends
Wednesday: Practiced cartwheels
Tracking your progress helps you see how far you’ve come—even if it doesn’t feel like a lot yet. Every bit counts!
Step 4: Learn From Setbacks
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. You might feel tired one day, or the weather might keep you indoors. Maybe your goal feels harder than you thought.
That’s okay! Instead of quitting, try asking yourself:
What can I do differently?
Can I break this goal into smaller parts?
Is there someone I can ask for help or advice?
For example, if you’re struggling to run for 10 minutes, try walking for 5 minutes first, then build from there. If you miss a day, don’t give up—just start fresh the next day.
Step 5: Keep It Fun!
Being active should feel good. You might add music, invite a friend, or make it into a game. The more fun it is, the more likely you are to stick with it.
And remember—every small step brings you closer to your goal. You’re building strength, confidence, and healthy habits that will last a lifetime.
Time to Reflect!
What’s one activity you really enjoy doing?
What small goal could you set for yourself this week?
How will you stay motivated when things get tricky?
You’ve got this. One step, one goal, one awesome adventure at a time.