Make GOALS! Not Resolutions!

Everyone knows that no one ever keeps their New Year’s Resolutions. This year, strive to make goals with definitive steps, measurable outcomes, and specific dates. Make your goals SMART

SMART goals are:

S – Specific. Instead of saying “I want to lose weight and be healthier this year,” Make them specific. “I want to lose 10 lbs before April 1^st by keeping a food journal, eating 500 calories a day less, and exercising at least 30 minutes per day.” Describe in detail HOW you will achieve these goals. Hire a trainer if you need to know how to achieve your health goals.

M- Measurable. You should be able to track your progress. Instead of saying “I want to be healthy and lose weight” Give yourself something to measure. Include a specific body fat percentage or weight that you want to strive to become. Track yourself on a weekly basis to keep yourself on track.

A - Attainable. These goals have to be attainable in the time frame you set. Check your calendar to make sure that you can reach your desired goals within your time frame. A goal needs to stretch you slightly so you feel you can do it and it will need a real commitment from you. For instance, if you aim to lose 20lbs in one week, we all know that isn’t achievable. But setting a goal to lose 1lb and when you’ve achieved that, aiming to lose a further 1lb, will keep it achievable for you.

R - Realistic.  Your goals need to be realistic FOR YOU. Devise a plan or a way of getting there which makes the goal realistic. The goal needs to be realistic for you and where you are at the moment. A goal of never again eating sweets, cakes, crisps and chocolate may not be realistic for someone who really enjoys these foods. Instead, aim to substitute sugar with fruit, or not eat sugar past 5pm.

T – Timely. Set a timeframe for the goal: for next week, in three months, by fifth grade. Putting an end point on your goal gives you a clear target to work towards. If you don’t set a time, the commitment is too vague. It tends not to happen because you feel you can start at any time. Without a time limit, there’s no urgency to start taking action now. Time must be measurable, attainable and realistic.

·         Write them down someplace you will be reminded to check them daily.