The New Year brings a renewed sense of hope and positive change. Many make resolutions every year only to find them difficult to maintain. Creating goals that utilize the S.M.A.R.T. approach might help. The S.M.A.R.T. method helps break down goals and ensures they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely. To utilize the S.M.A.R.T. method, follow these three steps:
STEP 1: Make sure your goals are specific and measurable. If your goal is to "exercise more" or "be healthier," it is not specific enough. By being more specific with your goals, they can become measurable and a plan can be created. If your goal is to increase your exercise, a specific goal would include how many minutes you will exercise per week and how often. If you aspire to lose weight, a specific goal would include how many calories should be consumed per day and and how many pounds will be lost per week.
STEP 2: Make sure your goals are achievable and realistic. For example, losing 10 pounds in one week is most likely not possible and not healthy. However, losing one or two pounds per week is likely achievable. Additionally, goals should be relevant to you. If it’s a goal that someone else thinks you should set, it is less likely you’ll follow through on achieving it.
STEP 3: Make sure your goals are timely. Ask yourself if it’s the right time to pursue these goals and if they are realistic to achieve in the time allotted. Be flexible with your timeline and modify as needed. Realize that there might be setbacks when it comes to achieving your goals, but don’t give up. You can do it!
