What are S.M.A.R.T. goals?
January 5th, 2019The best way to make a big change in your life (losing weight, practicing meditation, reaching your career goals, etc.) is by achieving smaller goals. I find making S.M.A.R.T. goals to be extremely helpful. Here’s how.
Start by choosing a goal that’s really important to you, yet small enough to achieve. Turn it into a SMART goal for the coming week. One that’s Specific, Measureable, Action-based, Realistic, and on a Timeline, so that when you get to the end of that week, you will be able to gauge how well it worked for you.
Here’s an example: I will choose salad with dressing on the side for lunch instead of my usual sandwich with chips on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday next week.
Then, gauge how confident you are that you will actually achieve this goal. On a scale of 1 (not going to happen) to 10 (I am totally sure I will do this), a 7 is usually enough to result in success. If it’s lower, what one more thing could you do to be sure it will happen? Maybe a reminder in your Smartphone, a friend to share that healthier lunch with you, or picking up pre-made salads to bring to work.
Finally, be sure to reward yourself when you achieve your goals. Here are some healthy rewards that you can use to celebrate your success.
