After overindulging over the holidays, many people look to start the new year off fresh with a resolution to lose weight and get healthy. Most will actually get started on the right foot. But very few actually stick with it.
Why? Because their goals are not S.M.A.R.T.:
Specific: Many times the resolutions are just too vague, like “lose weight”, “get healthy”, “get in shape”. That can mean a lot of different things. A better goal would be “lose x sizes”, “cut junk food to once per week”, “go the gym x days per week”. You need to say WHAT you will be doing, WHY you are doing it, and HOW you will do it.
Measurable: In order to keep on track, your goal should be something you can measure. “Getting stronger” isn’t a very measurable goal. How can you tell if you’re on track? However, adding 20 lbs to my bench press is. You can easily keep track of how you are progressing towards that goal.
Attainable: In addition to keeping your goal measurable, you also need to make sure it’s attainable. A goal of losing 50 lbs by summer is an aggressive goal that most won’t reach, at least not in a healthy way. If your goal is not attainable, it can turn out to be demotivating as you realize you are not on track. Likewise, if it’s something important to you that you can reach, you will stay motivated to work towards it.
Realistic: Your goal has to be something that you can realistically fit into your life. If you enjoy junk food and currently eat whatever you like, it would be unrealistic to say you were going to completely cut out junk from your diet. A more realistic goal would be to limit your junk food eating to once or twice per week.
Timely: There needs to be a time limit on your goal. Without a looming deadline, it will be too easy to put off getting started. However, if you know you only have x amount of time to meet your goal, you will be more likely to stick to it.
Get S.M.A.R.T. and make 2013 a year full of success!
Note: CliftonPark.com is not responsible for posts and comments written by non-staff members.