Setting goals for your health can help keep you focused and on track. Statistically, you are more likely to achieve them if they’re S.M.A.R.T (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) and written down and reviewed often.
Here’s how to help set up your S.M.A.R.T health goals
Specific — What do I want to achieve?
Grab a piece of paper and take time to write out what you want to achieve, and add as many details as possible. You may write, I want to eat healthier, which is excellent but try to get more specific. For example, I want to add 3-4 more pieces of fruit and vegetables each day to my diet.
Measurable — How will I know I’m on track?
You might say, “I want to lose weight this year.” It will be more impactful if you set dates and times for that goal, it would be better to say, “I want to lose 10 pounds by April 1st.”
Achievable — Is this goal possible, and what steps will I need to take to make it happen?
Life seems to get busier every day, and with time commitments and family obligations, our goals can go by the wayside. Be positive and realistic. If your goal is to run a marathon in 2 months and you haven’t run in 10 years, you might be setting yourself up to fail. Do your research, ask people who have achieved your goal how long it took them, and then set realistic timelines and goals to help keep you motivated.
Relevant — Why is this important to me?
Think clearly if this is something you want to achieve or what others want from you. Make sure your intention is aligned with what you really want. Oprah said it best, “intention is at the heart of her every decision and has become an intrinsic part of her spiritual journey.”
Timely — When do I want to accomplish this goal?
Look at your calendar and set a target date for when you want to achieve your goals. Log it in your phone’s calendar with reminders to keep you on task to attain that goal. Set reminders for four weeks, two weeks, and one week out to stay accountable to your goals.
Your S.M.A.R.T goals should include short-term goals to help you stay motivated and long-term goals to help you achieve those big stretch goals.
Suppose you’re interested in losing weight this year or maintaining a well-balanced diet. In that case, our navigation team can support you in finding a nutritionist or dietitian in your area to help you achieve those goals. If you want to learn more about what foods you may be sensitive to so you know what works best for your body, we can help you with that also. Book a call with our navigation team and talk to them about your healthcare goals for 2023, and they will help provide the tools and resources to help you be successful.
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