Goal Setting
To create goals that help you improve you should always set SMARRT goals".
Specific: Be as detailed as possible when you set a goal
Measurable: Set goals that allow you to measure your progress
Attainable: Set goals that you can accomplish with hard work on your part
Realistic: Set goals that allow for the difficulties you will face
Rewarded: Set appropriate rewards for the accomplishment
Timely: Choose a date to accomplish your goals
Bad Goals:
I need to lose weight
I will start eating more nutrient dense foods
While the things listed above might seem like good ideas (which they are) they are just that…ideas. Ideas are the foundation of goals, but without a realistic and timely plan put into place they will not ever become goals.
SMARRT Goals:
Starting tomorrow I will walk 40 minutes everyday. I will split that 30 minutes up into a 15 minute walk in the morning and a 15 minute walk in the evening. During the work day I will also take a 10 minute mindfulness walk during which I will walk without any devices to allow my mind to rest. I will keep a daily log to track my progress. Success will be defined as reaching my goal 5 out of 7 days of the week. When I am successful I will treat myself to a movie night.
I will consciously buy more vegetables, fruits, and other super foods at the grocery store. After purchasing these items I will integrate them into my everyday meals. I will eat 2 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits daily. I will incorporate fruits and super foods into my breakfast and or snacks throughout the day. I will also incorporate vegetables into my lunch and dinner meals. I will keep a daily log to track my progress. Success will be defined as reaching my goal 5 out of 7 days of the week. When I am successful I will treat myself to a 1 hour massage at the spa.
So ask yourself, have you created goals for yourself and if you have, are they SMARRT goals? If you aren’t setting yourself up for success then you’re setting yourself up for failure.
Ways that you can help yourself stay accountable is keeping track of it. Keep track of your progress in a way that suits your lifestyle. Whether that looks like writing things out in a journal or keeping notes on your phone- set yourself up for success.