Setting Small Goals: Size Does Matter

small goals
January 2016 |

Happy New Year!  It’s that time of year when we are all resolving to make changes as we enter the new year. But before you can get started, do you know what the difference is between a resolution and a wish?  

A wish is something we hope will happen.  You may keep it to yourself while blowing out birthday candles, or post it on Facebook.  A resolution is a goal we aim to achieve that has a PLAN to make it a reality.  And while we all want our resolutions to happen as soon as possible, the reality is that slow and steady are more effective when it comes to making changes.

small goalsSmall Goals = Success

A football team can’t win the Super Bowl because they decided in August that’s what they want to do – that’s the long term goal.  In order to win the Super Bowl, teams need to win weekly games.  The short term goal of winning each week leads to achieving the long term goal of winning the Super Bowl.

To achieve any change in our lives when it comes to health, taking a strategic approach will lead to the greatest amount of successful change.  Focusing on short term goals is more achievable and allows us to focus on a specific task.  Each time you meet your short term goal, you’re one step closer to meeting your overall goal.  And when we create small goals for ourselves, we can accidentally achieve our long-term goal when we least expect it.

SMART Small Goals

This time of year, the typical resolution you hear is, “I want to lose 10 pounds.”  This is not a SMART goal.  It’s not even a goal, just a statement.  A SMART goal is one that is:

  • SPECIFIC
  • MEASUREABLE
  • ACTIONABLE
  • REALISTIC
  • TIMELY

What’s a Good Goal?

A better goal is concise, has one thing to focus on, and has a plan built into it.  Here are some examples of SMART small goals:

  • LONG TERM GOAL: Go to the gym more.
    • SMART GOAL: I will go to the gym and take 3 zumba classes this week on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.  I will get a weekly printout from my gym to put on my fridge at home to show my significant other to track my progress.
  • LONG TERM GOAL: Eat more fruit.
    • SMART GOAL: I will purchase 5 apples at the store this week and keep in a fruit basket on my kitchen table.  By Sunday, those apples should be gone.
  • LONG TERM GOAL: Eat out less often.
    • SMART GOAL: On Sunday, I will prepare meals for the next 3-5 nights and portion out into containers so they will be ready to heat up when I get home from work.  By Friday night, all the food I prepared should be gone from my fridge.

Keeping up with your Goals

Write your goals down, and put them in a prominent place to serve as a reminder.small goals  Find a way to track your progress, and put it someone where you and others can see.  The more visual of a tracking method, the better.  And remember, once you reach your small goal, it’s time to make another one!  Goals should be year-round, not just a January activity.

Remember, if no one knows your goal, it’s much harder to stay accountable.  Share with your significant other, friends, and anyone else who can keep you motivated and on track.  For more tips on SMART goals and making your goals heard, check out my tips on speaking up.  Your Accountability Buddies are on your side and want you to succeed.  And who knows- you may have a positive effect on each other when it comes to meeting your goals.

What is your latest SMART goal?  Share in the Comments below and start making yourself accountable!

Unsure if your goal is SMART enough?  Contact ME for a consult.  

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