As the new year approaches, many of us start thinking about setting goals for the upcoming year. Goal setting can be an excellent way to help us focus on what we want to achieve and give us a sense of direction and purpose in our lives.
To set effective goals, it's important to start by reflecting on what you truly want to accomplish. I almost always suggest taking some time away to think and journal on what it really is that matters in your life.
Think about what areas of your life you want to improve, whether it's your career, your relationships, your health, or your personal growth. Then, set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that will help you get there.
For example, instead of setting a vague goal like "get fit," try setting a SMART goal like "lose 10 pounds by March 31st by going to the gym at least three times a week and eating a healthy diet." This type of goal is much more specific and actionable, which makes it easier to stay motivated and track your progress.
SMART -you may already know this- stand for Specific (lose 10 lbs), M for measurable (you can measure your progress weekly), A is for achievable (aim to lose somewhere between 1-2lbs per week is a doable goal), Relevant (why is losing 10 lbs important to you, and T is for Time-Bound (by March 31 gives you 3 months to accomplish the goal).
Remember, goal setting is a process, not a one-time event. It's important to regularly review your goals, adjust them as needed, and celebrate your progress along the way.
But another important element for goal setting is that it is important to have a regular reminder of this goal. To our patients at Mindful Weight Loss we recommend keeping a post it note of the SMART goal along with a tracker to keep up with the progress.
In my example, a person that wants to lose 10 lbs by March 31, should always be looking at the goal. Keeping track of the weekly weigh-ins also helps by seeing the progress along the way.
With a little bit of effort and commitment, you can achieve great things in the new year!
Carla Baccio is a National-Board certified Health and Wellness coach and has a master’s degree in Exercise Science, Nutrition, and Wellness from Liberty University.