How to Set…and Keep…Your New Year’s Resolutions by Setting SMART Goals
Happy New Year!
With the turn of the calendar page and the start of a new year, most of us are setting new goals. Also known as “New Year’s Resolutions,” these annual goals are easy to set but often difficult to keep.
As you set your New Year’s resolutions for 2019, F3 Wellness Connections has some tips to help you along the way. By setting “SMART” goals for the New Year, you will be well on your way to finally reaching those goals as you work to being the best you possible.
Set “SMART” Goals for 2019:
Follow these five tips when making your 2019 New Year’s Resolutions:
Specific
As you make your New Year’s resolutions for 2019, be sure to set specific goals. Instead of saying, “I want to get in shape for the New Year,” instead say something like, “I want to run a 5k by April.” When your goals are specific, you will have more motivation to strive for them every day. You will also be encouraged as you make progress toward reaching that tangible goal.
Measurable
Make sure that as you set your goals, that you can actually measure when you have achieved those goals. Perhaps you have the goal to be able to do a Turkish Get-Up in your kettlebell workout. Or maybe you want to be able to do three Turkish Get-Ups on both the right and left side during the same workout routine. If your goal is weight loss, set a specific amount of weight you intend to lose, such as, “I want to lose 20 pounds,” instead of simply saying, “I want to lose weight.” When your goals are measurable, you will be encouraged when you reach them.
Attainable
Be realistic when setting your goals, so that your goals are attainable. Don’t fall into the trap of setting a goal that is so far removed from your current reality that you will become discouraged before getting there. If you have never run before, set a goal that you will be able to run one mile, or five, instead of making a marathon your first goal. If you have a large amount of weight to lose, such as 50 pounds, set an intermediate goal, such as 20 pounds, so you will be encouraged by the quicker results.
Realistic
Setting realistic goals goes hand in hand with having attainable goals. When planning your resolutions, make certain that your goals are things you have a feasible, realistic chance of achieving. Set a goal to run your personal best in a race instead of striving for the Olympic gold medal. Set a goal to increase the duration of your workouts instead of deciding to go from 20 minutes per day to four-hour workout sessions. Setting realistic goals helps motivate you to work hard toward them, since you can visualize yourself getting there. Impossible goals are the fastest way to failure.
Timely
Setting timely goals is all about giving yourself a date on the calendar to reach your objectives. If you leave your goals open-ended and don’t set a timeline, it’s easy to relapse into old habits. Set a deadline and feed off of the motivation that gives.
If you set SMART goals, you will greatly increase the likelihood of reaching those goals. When you do, celebrate in a healthy way, and then immediately set your next goal. Follow these same steps and repeat after you reach every new goal.
F3 Wellness Connections can help you set…and keep…those resolutions. Whether kettlebell training, yoga, massage, or more, we have the services and expertise to help you feel better than ever. Contact F3 today and schedule your free initial consultation.