Setting goals can be a bit overwhelming.. With the immediate doubt and confusion that come up, we become frustrated and give up before we ever really even begin, Common questions that arise may be: What is my goal? How do I begin? What is the system I will use? Fitness instructors, trainers and health coaches have been using an approach to goal setting that seldom fails: the S.M.A.R.T. approach. This acronym stands for smart, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time bound.
SPECIFIC: your goals are detailed and exact. Answers the questions of who, what, when, where and why.
MEASURABLE: you can track your progress and know exactly when your goal is met. It usually involves numbers.
ATTAINABLE: a reasonable one.
RELEVANT: your goal is worthwhile. It is actually something that is worthwhile.
TIME BOUND: your goals will be accomplished in a set time frame, such as two weeks, three months or one year.
Example:
I want to lose weight
Specific: I want to lose 10 pounds
Measurable: I want to lose one to two pounds a week
Attainable: I will lose one pound a week by cutting out simple sugars and walking 30 minutes each day.
Relevant: I want lose weight to lower my risk of diabetes
Time -bound: I will lose 10 pounds by November 5th.
The goal statement will look like this…
I will reduce my risk of diabetes by losing 10 pounds within three months, by eliminating refined sugars from my diet. I will bring my lunch to work each day and walk for 30 minutes each day either first thing in the morning or immediately after work.
Goal setting should be challenging as goals are meant to make us grow; make us a better version of who we are. Accept the challenge and get started today! We only fail when we give up.
Tip from the trainer:
Keep a pair of walking/running shoes for in-home only. Put them on as soon as you rise in the morning. This will encourage you to move more throughout the day.
Until next time, take care!