Even though things like "lose 10 pounds" or "run a 7-minute mile" sound pretty motivating, goals like that usually take at least a few months of working out consistently to achieve any noticeable progress. And being constantly disappointed that you still haven't met your big goal isn't great for your ego.

Instead, frame your exercise goals as weekly to-do's, rather than overarching outcomes, suggests personal trainer Rob Sulaver, C.S.C.S. That way, if you make your goal to exercise X times per week, every week you work out X times you'll feel accomplished and motivated to keep going, which means you'll eventually hit your bigger goals.