“A goal without a plan is just a wish”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you made a New Year’s resolution? With January 1st right around the corner, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of seeing a new year as a fresh start. I myself can’t wait to start 2015!

Many resolutions look something like this: “I’m going to lose weight” or “I’m going to exercise and get fit.” These are great goals, but anything that’s going to improve yourself physically and/or mentally is going to take more then just a promise and declaration. Being “SMART” about goal setting will set you up for a success!

So what’s this “SMART” method? It’s a little trick that will help make your resolutions turn into reality. Here’s a quick example of the method using the goal of weight loss.

SMART:

Specific

Measurable

Accountable

Realistic

Timeframe

S is for “specific”

Make your goal specific and clearly defined. “I want to lose weight” is too vague; be specific: “I want to lose 20lbs.”

M is for “measurable”

You need to be able to clearly measure your progress.  Start by taking your measurements and weight.  Then, determine weekly and monthly goals: “I will lose 20lbs and will aim for a 1-2lb loss each week.”

A is for “action-oriented”

Outlining specific steps will help you successfully complete your goal. “I will lose 20lbs and will aim for 1-2lbs per week” is a good starting place, but does not include any details. Let’s add in “I will achieve this goal by exercising 3-4 days a week, eat a healthier diet of protein, fruits and vegetables and cut out sugar.”

R is for “realistic”

When it comes to losing weight, we all tend to be somewhat unrealistic and look for that quick fix. Don’t set yourself up for these unattainable health goals such as “I want to lose 20 pounds before my holiday 3 weeks from now.” Instead, aim to lose 1-2lbs per week. Attempting to lose weight faster than this is unhealthy and will only set you up for disappointment.  Saying “I will not eat anything that isn’t healthy” just isn’t realistic! Allow yourself the occasional “treat.” An all or nothing attitude is sure to end in disappointment and feeling like you have failed.  Setting realistic goals means setting yourself up for success.

T is for “timed”

This means you should set deadlines that will keep you on track. “At the end of each month I will have lost at least 5lbs. In 4 months I will have achieved my goal of losing 20lbs.” All of a sudden summer will be here, and you’ll have met your goal!

Ultimately success is the goal. It can be helpful to set up both long and short-term goals. Some examples of short-term goals in order to reach that 20lbs weight loss might be mini fitness goals (4 workouts a week!) or meal planning and grocery shopping goals to set yourself up properly. Having smaller achievable goals will keep you positive and motivated to stay on track. Reward yourself for reaching goals (and not with food!) Spend the day at a spa, get your hair done, buy yourself a new workout top or whatever else makes you smile!

It’s not complicated but there are no quick fixes. Create a simple “SMART” program, make a genuine effort to follow through and success in 2015 is yours!