S.M.A.R.T. Goals

If you find yourself during the transition from the old year to the new year wondering what did you accomplish or feeling guilty for not fulfilling your expectations of the year you need S.M.A.R.T. Goals. We are into the second week of the new year and I hope you are creating a foundation for a great year. Whether it is reading more books, or writing your own, running a race, loosing weight, quitting smoking or just getting more active, setting goals provides a deign plan to point the direction. How do you know if you have the right goal(s)?  A great place to start is with S.M.A.R.T.  If you have never heard of S.M.A.R.T.  let me introduce you.

S.  Specific

Be specific to provide a focal point to your efforts. A “blah” goal would be get in shape while a focused goal is run a 5k race, or play a round of golf without taking pain medication.

M. Measurable

How will you measure your progress in your goal?  Obtain a training plan for running a 5K race (Google couch25k), keep a log of your status after your activities to evaluate your progress.

A. Attainable/Achievable

Is this goal able to be obtained. You may already have the endurance for a 5k and may wish to train for a 10k. Consulting with your support group may reveal some potential road blocks to your goal and the feedback and support may alter it up, down or even in a different direction.  Instead of one pain free round of golf a week you might change it to two half-rounds per week. The option is up to you to realize your potential and CURRENT limitations.

R. Relevant

Your goal should represent an objective you are interested, passionate, willing and able to work towards. If you don’t run, never ran have no interest in running or have other limiting physical conditions obviously this is not YOUR goal. For others golf may be a four letter word and nothing more. Find a goal that interests you!

T. Time bound

If you have children or manage others for a living, you know how essential it is to have a time bound goal. Working through the S.M.A.R.T. you may realize you may need more or less time to achieve the objective. Some couch to 5k plans may take as little as 2 months. You may be able to play around of golf without pain but you would like to decrease your score and that may take years.

The great thing about a S.M.A.R.T. goal is that it changes with you. If you have not thought about this coming year take some time and consider a S.M.A.R.T.  Goal.  If you have any health limitations or concerns always check with your healthcare provider. If we can be of any service please feel free to contact us.