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Setting Your Goals


It's a new year, which often means new goals and dreams. Most people come up with a resolution or goal, but often give up because it is unattainable or they are looking for quick results. There is nothing wrong with coming up with a list of goals for the new year...as long as you realize that it might take all year to attain them. Most won't get achieved in one month -- which means that you can't give up after January if you haven't met your goal AND you can't wait to get started until November or December. Start right away with the knowledge that anything great worth doing is worth the time and effort.

It's helpful to have smaller goals as you reach for your big goals (which I like to call my Dreams for the year). Dreams are the big picture, but you need multiple, smaller goals to reach your big goal/dream. So, you may have a big goal of losing 30lbs, but your smaller goals may be to lose 1-2 pounds per week, add one vegetable to your day, etc. You may want to get into an exercise routine again, but you can't just go run five miles. Your smaller goal may be to do 10 minutes of movement per day for one week, etc. 

Another reason people fail to meet their goals is that they don't know how to make goals. You need to make SMART goals.

Specific: Goals should be clear and state specifically what you wish to be accomplished.

Measurable: You need to be able to measure your goals so that you can see your progress.

Attainable: Goals should be realistically attainable.

Relevant: Goals need to be relevant to your particular needs, interests, and abilities.

Time-bound: Goals need to have a timeline for completion.

Your smaller goals may only be for a week or month, then once you meet that goal, you create a new one to move you toward ultimately completing your big goal. When I decided I wanted to stop eating chocolate every day and quit sugar 5+ years ago, my original goal was to go just one day without sugar! After I did the one day, my goal was one week. Then it was two weeks, then one month, etc. I started with a super small goal and then built on it.

There is a lot more I could write about how to set goals, but perhaps another time. ;)

2020 was a rough year, but don't be afraid to dream big and make 2021 amazing! Just be sure to set those smaller SMART goals along the way to help you have success with your dreams.

And if you're looking for assistance on any health goals, feel free to reach out to me! As a certified Health Coach and Group Fitness Instructor (with an M.A. in Exercise Physiology), if would be my delight and pleasure to work with you!

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