Set Realistic and Measurable Goals for Bodybuilding Success

One of the reasons that people get discouraged with their bodybuilding program is lack of realistic goals.  I always say, aim high but you need to be realistic. For instance, if on the next 12 weeks you plan on losing 50 lbs of fat and replacing them with 50 lbs of muscle, then that is unrealistic.

Instead, settle for a loss of 1.5 to 2 lbs on the average per week and that will equate to 18-24 lbs in 12 weeks! After that, with twelve more weeks of dieting you will accomplish your long-term 50-lb fat loss.

When it comes to muscle gain however you really need to be patient. If you have 14-inch arms, do not expect them to be 18 by the end of 12 weeks. Instead settle for ¼ - ½ of an inch. If however, you are an advanced stage, like myself for instance, it took me a year and a half to get my arms from 18 inches to 18.5 inches. Therefore, the more advanced you are, the more patient you need to be. 

In bodybuilding, patience and perseverance will be your best allies. For more information on goal setting and having the right bodybuilding mindset, please take a look at my articles below: 

• The Power of Goal Setting 
• The Mindset of a Successful Bodybuilder