Making Smarter Goals for the New Year
Besides enjoying the holidays, you are likely thinking about the coming year.
Perhaps you’re even thinking of making some health resolutions!
But according to Forbes Magazine, 92% of us fail to realize our resolutions. There seems to be a systematic problem with resolutions. I “wish” I lost weight or was more spiritual are just that, WISHES!
Making systematic goals that are SMART are much more helpful.
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.
For example, you want to be healthier. But how will you DO IT?
Specific: I want to lose 10 pounds (4.5 kilos) by July 1st and build body strength.
Measurable: My goal is 6 months away, so I how much do I need to lose each month. How? For example: I will cut back on most high-sugar carbohydrates like bread and sugars, visit the gym for at least one hour 3 times a week, and have no more than 1 serving of alcohol per day.
Attainable: I plan healthy meals instead of grabbing fast food; this will entail shopping and preparing lots of vegetables and meat. I will reevaluate my schedule and plan when I visit the gym. On those days, I WILL go to the gym, not decide that day if I want to go or not (because I will usually want to go home or otherwise opt out; I will make saying, “no” NOT an option. During my 3 gym visits, I will 1) swim, 2) do a yoga class, and 3) lift weights.
Realistic: This is a realistic goal. Losing 10 pounds in 1 week is not. I can achieve my goal by doing the things listed above.
Timely: I will lose 10 pounds (4.5 kilos) in six months.
Your goals may not involve losing weight. Maybe you want to be more intentional about having an active social life, reading more books or walking the dog more. YOU decide your goals; make them smarter!
Life changes do not just happen; you have to make them happen.
Think about what you really want this year and put systems in place that will allow you to reach your goals.
