How to Set Goals That Stick!

Do you have things you want to accomplish but never quite do?  Do you have changes you would like to make to your life, but never quite make them?  Do you often say, “I am going to eat healthier this week” or “I am going to exercise more” but never quite get started?

This is such a common problem with most people.  And, usually, the problem isn't the idea or the goal itself.  Rather, it is the lack of planning for reaching such goal or making such change.

You need to learn how to set goals and make them SMART!

As a health coach, I work with people on setting goals all the time.  Yet, I struggle myself with goal setting.  That is one of the reasons I started announcing my monthly goals on Oh Lardy!

So far, I have had 2 goals…to oil pull every day and to drink a green drink every day.  I have been pretty successful too.  Now these goals have become habits.  I don't even need to think about them too much anymore.

Often, I make the same mistake as everyone else when it comes to goals.  I make vague statements like “I need to exercise more” or “I should try oil pulling or eating more veggies.”  You can learn how to set goals that will really stick if you are SMART!

What are SMART goals?

Let's use my goal as an example:

I will drink a green drink every day, in the morning, for one month.  The purpose of the goal is to add more green vegetables to my diet and be healthier.  

SPECIFIC:

Is your goal vague or specific?  Who is involved?  What do you want to accomplish?  When will you accomplish the goal?   Where?  Why?  Are there any constraints or restrictions involved?

For this example: I am going to drink a green drink/smoothie, every day for one month, in the morning for the purpose of getting more green vegetables in my diet.  I will have my juicer and Vitamix on my counter.  I will load up on veggies from the store.  I will also buy some pressed juices to have on hand.  

MEASURABLE:

How are you going to know the goal has been achieved?  Is there a checklist you need?  A certain amount to accomplish each day?

For this example: I will drink a green drink every day in the morning.  I will know it has been achieved because I will have had a green drink.

ATTAINABLE:

Is the goal really doable?  Of course, you want to reach for the stars, but make sure it is something you can really accomplish.

Yes, my goal is doable.  I have access to fresh juices.  I have the resources at home to make the smoothies/juices.  I have stocked up on veggies to have on hand.  

REALISTIC:

How committed are you?  When you set a goal, you must be willing to work toward the goal.  Goal setting (and succeeding) is not easy.  Can you realistically put in the time and energy to meet this goal.

Yes, my goal is realistic.  I am committed and can put the time in to meet this goal.  I am not suggesting I only drink green drinks for a month (although that could be possible too) but rather add one drink to my daily routine.  A very realistic goal. 

TIMELY:

Is there a time frame or a sense of urgency?  Anchor your goal with a deadline to help keep you on track.

Yes, my goal has a time frame, every morning for one month.

I think I set a pretty SMART goal!!

I hope this helps you set (and meet!) your own goals!

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