14 Dec Are you thinking about your goals in a smart way this year?

As soon as the clock strikes 12 on New Year’s Eve, we start to think about the resolutions and goals that were made in December.

New Year – New You is a term that gets thrown around a lot. Whilst this phrase is meant to be motivational, setting goals is not about re-inventing yourself, it’s about working towards something that makes you feel happier and healthier.

A Guide to Setting Your Goals

You need to consider what is important to you and what will have a positive impact on your mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Once you have decided what is important, you can decide exactly what it is that you are wanting to accomplish. This may be losing weight, getting stronger, expanding your social network through physical activity, or taking part in a sporting event.

Considering all your goals, how can you make them SMART?

Specific – what, where, when, why, who and how? You need to consider what you are trying to achieve, where you are going to do that – the gym or a local park? When will you invest time in reaching your goal, is it going to be a daily or weekly thing? Who are you going to work towards it with, on your own, with a friend or as part of a team? How are you going achieve it, is it through physical activity, nutrition etc.

Measurable – consider how you are going to decide how close you are to reaching your goal, and when you will consider it met. Quantity and time can both be measured.

Attainable – Is your goal realistic? Will you be able to accomplish this goal by the date you have set?

Relevant – is this goal relevant to you, and what you want from your life? Is it something you are going to enjoy doing, if not the chances of you reaching it are considerably less.

Timely – set an end date to your goal.

Examples of SMART goals:

• I am going to take part in one 5k fun run by June this year and one 10k run by September this year.
• I am going to lose 10kgs by August this year and in turn lower my cholesterol and resting heart rate, with the guidance of an exercise expert.
• I am going to join a group fitness class and go at least once a week, every week, except for when I am on holidays.

The New Year is an ideal time to think about goal setting but we think it’s far more important to think about how you can reach and maintain your goals in the long term. If your goals are exercise related, considering engaging the help of an Accredited Exercise Expert such as an Exercise Physiologist, Exercise Scientist or Sports Scientist, to reach them safely.