YMCA of the Fox Cities
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Why wait for the New Year to roll around before making decisions that can change your health and well-being? Small changes throughout the year have been shown to make the biggest impact over the long run, resulting in better outcomes. Goals are an important part of staying accountable and assisting in success. When setting a goal, use the SMART principle.
If your goal is to get in better shape or to make a lot of money, it is not going to do you much good. These goals are not specific enough to motivate you. Try setting a goal you would likely be able to achieve — like doing a dozen push-ups by the end of the month, or saving $1,000 by your birthday.
How will you measure your progress? Will you know when you are halfway there? “To be able to swim” is vague. “To be able to swim the length of the pool without stopping” is measurable.
Does your goal require action on your part? To have all the snow off your patio by August does not require any action from you. Action must be required for the accomplishment of your goal.
Do you believe it is reasonable to accomplish your goal in the time you have given yourself? It is much better to set a very realistic goal you can achieve than to set yourself up for failure.
A goal without a deadline is just a wish. When will you accomplish your goal? The deadline will keep you accountable and make your goal-setting process effective.
If you have set the same goal time after time, maybe it is time to try a different approach. Think of the process that makes the goal possible. If you want to eat healthier, maybe it starts with menu planning each week. If you want to exercise three times a week but are not finding the motivation, try a class or get a workout partner — make it a habit for a week, then a month, then six months. Have fun being successful with your goals. As Abraham Lincoln said, “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.”