We made it through 2017! With all its ups and downs, it’s natural to face some setbacks along the way. Did you manage to stick to your goals despite those challenges? If not, you’re not alone, and it’s common to feel disappointed about it. But how about we turn things around this year and set up 2018 in a way that ensures you can proudly say, “Yes, I achieved all my goals”? Ready? Let’s get started.
Have you heard about S.M.A.R.T. goals? Most of us learned about them in school at some point, but we don’t always use this approach when making New Year’s resolutions. Our first tip for success is to use this system to frame your goals.
First, make your goal as specific as possible. A goal like “lose weight” is too vague. Think about the exact amount of weight you want to lose or the pant size you want to fit into. Is it 5 pounds to fit your clothes better, or do you need to lose more because of health reasons, like being pre-diabetic?
Your goal should be so clear that if someone asked you about it, they wouldn’t need to ask follow-up questions. Something like, “I want to lower my body fat by 3% by the end of the year so I can climb stairs without getting winded and go hiking with my daughter in September,” is an excellent example of a specific goal.
Next, your goal needs to be measurable. You need a way to track your progress. Saying “I want to feel better” is too vague. What do you want to feel better about and why? How will you know when you’ve achieved it?
Mindfulness is a tool that can help here. Being mindful of your eating habits, for example, can help you feel full sooner and avoid overeating. It also helps you stay present during workouts, leading to better results.
The key to S.M.A.R.T. goals is that they must be attainable. Set realistic goals that you can achieve given your lifestyle and circumstances. Losing 40 pounds in two months isn’t healthy or realistic. Instead, aim for goals that fit into your everyday life. While you can make lifestyle changes, overhauling everything at once isn’t practical.
Your goals should be actionable. This means you need to take steps every day towards them. If your goal feels too ambitious, scale it back. Consistency is crucial, and without it, you risk getting discouraged and giving up.
Make sure your goal is relevant to your life. Your goal should make sense for your lifestyle. If you aren’t a professional athlete, you don’t need to train like one. Setting goals that align with what’s important to you and your way of living will make them easier to achieve.
Lastly, your goal needs a time frame. For example, losing 40 pounds in two months isn’t feasible, but losing the same amount over a year is. Break that down to less than 4 pounds per month, which seems much more manageable.
Look at your upcoming year. Do you have any trips or major events planned? Incorporate your goal into your schedule. If you want to become a better runner, find a race happening in September and plan your training accordingly. You have eight months to prepare, which allows you to set smaller monthly targets to gradually build up to your goal.
By approaching any goal with the S.M.A.R.T. framework, you can break it down into manageable steps and set yourself up for success.
We’re here to help you reach your goals. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or send us an email. We can point you to the right resources or people to help you succeed.
Happy New Year, DIY Nation!