Consider your health, your lifestyle, what you can do, what you want to do, and how you want to feel. You can think about this in the short-term, like how you want you next doctors appointment to go in 3 months, or in the long-term, like how you want to feel and spend your time when you retire.
Take a moment to reflect on the following: What is your vision for your health? What makes that vision important to you?
Once you have a clear picture of what you want to accomplish, and more importantly, the why that fuels your efforts and keeps you going, you can spell out an effective S.M.A.R.T. goal. Setting a S.M.A.R.T. goal is one way to get really clear on a realistic approach and plan towards your goal.
Mapping Out a S.M.A.R.T. Goal
S – Specific: Rather than vaguely saying “I want to get fit”, instead get specific and define what fit is for you. For example, “I will run a 5k” or “I want to maintain or increase my muscle mass while losing fat”.
M – Measurable: This is how you will measure your progress. For example, tracking your daily water intake, measuring your inches lost, or committing to 20 workouts a month and checking them off your calendar. *This is also where you can add an incentive. When you complete X checkpoint, you buy yourself new workout gear, a massage, or something else.
A – Attainable: The goal has to be realistic for you to accomplish. While it will be new to your routine, and a challenge for your body, you’re not setting yourself up for burnout or feelings of failure. Can you actually follow through on that workout plan or menu this week? If not, simplify it! Or have a Plan B to keep you moving toward your goals. For example, if you plan to walk outside, but the weather is poor, have a backup workout video to do indoors.
R – Relevant: Does this goal line up with your vision for your health and lifestyle in 1 year? 5 years? Beyond? Does it align with what you value?
T – Time Bound: When do you want to complete this by? Within 6 months? By the end of the year? Put a date on it, and map out your timeline to get there. Even better, if your goal is 6 months or more away, aim to set smaller 2-3 month goals for milestones to celebrate along the way.
Takeaway
Changing our habits is hard! But when we pause to think about what we really want, and why it is important, we can foster a more passionate and personal motivation to follow through. By creating S.M.A.R.T. goals, we can more clearly define our actions and set ourselves up for success in executing our goals. S.M.A.R.T. goals also naturally incorporate monitoring progress along the way, which can help to keep you motivated.
Remember that your Muuvwell team is here to support your efforts and help you move towards your wellness vision. Reach out to the coaching team for support in developing your S.M.A.R.T. goals and staying accountable along the way.
Written by: Stephanie Anklan, Registered Dietitian
