Many people set resolutions each year that are health-focused. When you make a resolution, you are making a decision to do something (or not do something!). In our nutrition counseling sessions, we make resolutions all the time, not just in January! These decisions are in the form of SMART goals. If you haven’t heard of SMART goals, this acronym stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Creating SMART goals is incredibly important when trying to reach health goals because they provide a clear roadmap for success. Let me share an example with you so you can see the difference!
Instead of setting a goal to "Be more active," a SMART goal could look like this: "Walk briskly for 30 minutes, 5 times per week, for the next 4 weeks to improve cardiovascular health."
Here’s why it works! It is…
Specific: Clearly defines the activity (brisk walking). This specificity gives you a clear direction for your efforts.
Measurable: Easily track the duration (30 minutes) and frequency (5 times per week). Being able to measure boosts motivation and keeps you on track.
Achievable: 30 minutes of brisk walking is a realistic starting point for most people. Setting achievable goals prevents discouragement. Aiming for drastic changes too quickly often leads to failure.
Relevant: Improves cardiovascular health, a key aspect of overall well-being. Focusing goals on aspects of health that are important to you will keep you committed.
Time-Bound: Sets a clear deadline of 4 weeks. Deadlines create a sense of urgency and help you stay accountable. They also help to break down larger goals into smaller, time-bound milestones to celebrate progress along the way.
SMART goals provide a structured approach that increases your chances of success. They help you stay focused, motivated, and on track to achieve your health goals. Think about your resolutions this year and make them SMART! If you need support with your health goals, we are here to help!
Image generated by Playground AI.