Writing a fitness mission statement.

by

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my form of fitness.

I believe in the power of intention.

I look to my vision board as a source of motivation and inspiration.

I turn to my gratitude board as a reminder of what I’m thankful for.

I have a personal mission statement.

I’ve recently revamped my blog’s mission statement.

I possess a carefully crafted spiritual mission statement.

We’ve worked together to create a family mission statement.

The older I get, however, I’ve realized none of the above work if I’m not simultaneously healthy.

If I don’t concurrently have a fitness mission statement.

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for me #wycwyc works.

Confession: I’ve neglected my Fitness Mission Statement lately.

I’m not busy — it simply hasn’t been a priority.

I knew I could remain (relatively) fit by virtue of my day-to-day responsibilities. I coasted on the fact my life was active enough I didn’t need to make time to “identify my why” and create a plan.

Spoiler alert: I’m in desperate need of a plan.

Lately, instead of feeling gratitude for bursts of fitness in my day, I’ve begun to long for clear intention when it comes to healthy living.

A return to having a Fitness Mission Statement.

What is a Fitness Mission Statement?

A Fitness Mission statement is an announcement of purpose. It’s an answer to the questions Why are we here? What’s the point? written with the backdrop of what you value in life.

A Fitness Mission Statement contains sentences which have a goal that is an action. Words which are quantifiable not vague.

A Fitness Mission Statement requires trial & error (like all aspects of healthy living). Creating a perfect statement takes time, but the result is sentences which motivate/inspire you *every time* they’re read.

Is a Fitness Mission Statement workout routines/competition goals?

A Fitness Mission Statement is not a workout plan. Nowhere in your statement will you commit to X race on Y day or announce a plan to shed X pounds by Y date.

Fitness Mission Statements help us plan routines to achieve goals. The F.M.S. is the umbrella underneath which we place our specifics (goals/programs).

A statement might read: To live a long, active, healthy life extolling the power of play and practicing what I preach and from there one would choose the approach/activity for achievement.

A statement should provide clues to answer the question: What approach to healthy living should I choose? Are your goals endurance? Does your statement mention flexibility? Do you prefer to focus on gaining strength/power?

How to create a Fitness Mission statement?

  • Be brief. Mine is 8 words. Some create acronyms. Others write 3-4 sentences. Find what works best for you and keep it clear, concise, and terse. Begin by brainstorming a list of words which describe how you like to move your body and how you feel when you do so.
  • Ask yourself: Why am I here? The next time you choose to move your body pose this question to yourself. Consider what prompted you to commit to exercise that day/what your end-goals are. Clarity about where you are going is the surest way to achieve success.
  • Identify your focus (e.g: leadership, improved overall health, increased strength). Consider/define who you aspire to be in the fitness realm of your life. A lean, mean machine? A more calm, centered you? A role model? A coach? Be specific.
  • Be positive. Do not include anything you dislike about yourself. Take any negative urges/thoughts (I hate my fat thighs and stomach) and turn them inside out (CrossFit will give me the sleek leg muscles I desire).
  • Include how healthy habits/behaviors will impact relationships. Through the practice of yoga I will be able to let stress go more easily. This will help me manage work pressures and dynamics.
  • Create a statement which is in harmony with your personal mission statement if you have one (I will walk consistently and through this grow more patient, have lowered blood pressure and be increasingly present throughout my day). Be certain all your values are in alignment.

The next step is to start designing and be patient.

For me creating a F.M.S. called for writing, putting away, rereading/tweaking and only after that did I experienced my Yes! This is it!! moment.

I’d crafted a phrase so ‘right’ it energizes me on days I’d rather slack than workout.

tired

My F.M.S. inspires on days when I look like this.

Now you:

  • Do you already have a Fitness Mission Statement?
  • If not, what might your Fitness Mission Statement say?

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Comments

  1. I actually have been sick this past week and unable to workout (I would’ve in the past pushed myself to but I know I need rest now!)…and It has amde me realize the value of my core fitness mission…to move to love myself, my family, my body, and my home…I need to mvoe in a way that makes me better inside and out and makes me better for others as well at the same time.

  2. You KNOW I have a fitness mission statement and big, hairy, scary goals that accompanying it! But, I think the most important thing you wrote was having the patience to see it through. It’s a “one day at a time” and #wycwyc mindset that makes it work.

  3. I need to spend time on this over the weekend. I get too caught up in wanting to lose weight and the way I will get there. Not thinking about my “why”

  5. I suck at writing mission statements. I have a bunch of half baked ones for life, career, etc. Guess I’ll add fitness to the list.

  6. I haven’t defined a life-long mission statement, but my current mission is to

    Sweat Happy, Sweat (almost) Everyday, Sweat Outside (when I can)

  9. First of all:
    You look amazing in your photo. What great shape you’re in!
    Is that a tatoo?
    What is #wycwyc?
    What are on your sneakers? Sorry if this is a DUH question.

    Now, I have no fitness statement. If I did I’d look like you. I’m a big bowl of jelly cause MS brought me down AND I’m living in a new area and can’t find a yoga or stretch class. (I haven’t been out much cause I can’t drive yet.) SO, any advice?

    Love mission statements. You really rock, Carla.

    • I adore all your questions 🙂 yes it is a tattoo of a star of David around my navel. I got it about 20 years ago as a symbol of being Jewish as the core and center of who I am.

      The sneakers at the top? Old school sneaker rollerskates I was able to find at Amazon. I am completely in love with them 🙂

      And #wycwyc or What You Can When You Can is my way of life but more specifically a book I co-authored with Roni Noone.
      The book breaks down different ways to fit fitness and healthy living into your life easily and seamlessly. No perfection just small steps toward big change. You can read more about it at the MY BOOK page found at the top. Thank you for asking 🙂

      • Thanks, Carla. I love your answers. You really are awesome. If I had the guts I think I’d get a tattoo that says KINDNESS. But the Star of David? I love that too. It’s the core of who I am as well.

        I’m so glad to know you. Wish I lived closer. Big hugs…

  12. Good grief Carla! I have never even thought of a mission statement for any part of my life – and especially in regard to fitness. You are such an inspiration for getting me to think outside my comfort zone and start being more intentional about how I’m living.

  13. It’s not been easy for me to craft mission statements in any area. For some reason, the words don’t come.

    Maybe fitness needs to be my first one, as what i’m doing now isn’t getting me much closer to my goals.

  14. Like a couple comments – not good with the mission statements but I am not so worried about fitness. 🙂 The real life gets me every time & I have a plan but putting into action & be brave enough is the problem…

  15. I have never thought about this but it is such a wonderful idea! Having a “fitness mission statement” would definitely help me to stay on track and remain focused on the things I want to accomplish.

  16. No..no mission statements. Not of any kind. This really makes me think. I joke about flying by the seat of my pants, you know…with everything…but maybe I could TRY having some goals and a mission statement or two.

  17. I want to be physically and mentally fitter and healthier and I wouldn’t have known where to start but love your idea of keeping it simple. Really what I need / want is something enjoyable and sustainable.

  19. Even though I live, breathe & advocate for an active lifestyle, I never thought of doing this. I LOVE it! Having a fitness mission statement would really help people define & set their fitness goals plus remember why they’re doing it when motivation wanes. Thank you for the inspiration ?

  20. Love the idea of creating a fitness mission statement. I’ve never thought about doing something like that before, but I can see how it would be quite motivating!

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