2013
New Year’s has always been a time for reflecting on the past year, and more importantly, looking forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want to make and resolve to follow through on those changes. However, for all too many resolutions, failure is virtually assured at the offset because the resolutions are not made with serious intent and deliberation.
The first trick is to choose the right resolution, for the right reasons, and making them SMART. When you make your resolutions SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound), not only do you boost your chance of attaining your goals, but you also become a better cyclist in the process. Aside from the traditional resolutions to ride more, to loose weight, and to explore new rides, consider taking on some different resolutions.
Set a personal goal for the miles you want to ride in 2013. Using a cycling computer, heart rate monitor, or power meter offers options in calculating mileage and other fitness related variables. Try a new tool and see if it makes adding up the miles a little easier.
Learn to maintain your own bike. For some, bike maintenance can be a chore, but having the right set of bike components and tools can make all the difference. Consider creating a pre-ride bike check or an ongoing maintenance program to follow. Bike maintenance can be a great way of engaging in your cycling passion the whole year long.
Bike commute and do it more often. Bike commuting improves fitness, health, saves money, and also benefits the environment by keeping one less car on the road. If you aren’t a bike commuter now, maybe in 2013 you will be. And, if you already bike commute, perhaps resolve to commute by bike more frequently.
Inspire others to get out and ride. Bike inspiration comes in many forms, from DVD‘s, to books, to new bikes and bike parts, to riding with others. Share your bike passion with others in ways that are meaningful and inspiring to them. How many friends do you think you could inspire to be two wheeled friends in 2013?
Give Back. Cycling by nature brings out the best in us all. Consider volunteering your time, skills, or resources at local bike races and bike events. Event participants will be in your gratitude but you may get back more than you give! Many volunteers are inspired to participate, race, or take on bigger goals than they previously imagined due to volunteering and helping others to reach their goals.
Commit to a Positive Attitude. Nothing is more contagious than a positive attitude! Resolve in 2013 to embrace power thoughts and bike parts that motivate you to get on your bike and ride. Surround yourself with fellow cyclist aiming for similar goals. Remember, your attitude determines your altitude.
For cyclist, attaining goals is part motivation, part perspiration, and part having the right tools to help you reach your goals. Here’s to a bright and rewarding New Year ahead!
Peak Cycles - BikeParts.com Blog 
[…] starters, what are you’re 2013 cycling goals? As mentioned in our recent blog post, it’s important to make your goals SMART. As in, specific, measurable, attainable, […]
[…] starters, what are you’re 2013 cycling goals? As mentioned in our recent blog post, it’s important to make your goals SMART. As in, specific, measurable, attainable, realistic […]
[…] Choose different events – or do the same events – but faster! Make your goals SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound), but also […]
[…] of Your Cycling Season. Or, get insights into your performance by evaluating if your goals were smart (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound). You may question if you were […]
[…] your 2015 cycling goals as your compass. We talk more about goals in our blog post, but the basic take away is to make your goals SMART. As in, specific, measurable, attainable, […]
[…] trick to making a resolution stick is to choose the right resolution in the first place! Make it SMART! When you make your resolutions SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and […]
[…] goals did you achieve this past season? Reflecting back on your SMART goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound) how did you do? Avoid ambiguity and be […]