We all have goals in life - whether it is to get an A on that exam, take a trip to Europe, lose weight, or buy your dream car - they all have value AND can be achieved. How you get there is completely up to you, but there are ways to make obtaining your next big goal much easier!
A system we like to implement is called S.M.A.R.T. goals. This helps you lay out your goal and plan exactly how you will get there.
First, you want to be as specific as you can, so that it is clear and concise. Next, make your goal measurable! After that, your goals should be attainable and realistic. Make it something that you know you can achieve. Goals can be adjusted as you progress! Finally, your goals need to be timely. Set up a timeline. This will help you track your progress and help you gauge how you are doing. The way I like to do this is to set one big goal with an estimated date. Then, I like to set mini goals that will help me get there with dates as well. This allows me to see where I'm at and if I am on track to achieving said goal. Once I have done all of that, I write out my why. Why do I want to achieve this goal? Why does this matter to me? Finally, I print this out and sign it. This allows me to keep myself accountable and I am making a commitment to myself to do what it takes to meet my goal. I will post this paper wherever I will see it the most, so it is a constant reminder that I am bettering myself.
Here is an example of a SMART goal: I want to lose 15-20 pounds over the course of 10 weeks. This is attainable and realistic for me because it is a healthy amount of weight to lose (roughly) 0.5 - 2 pounds per week. Longer term weight loss will allow me to maintain it. I want to have this completed by October 11th (on or around). In order to achieve this goal, I will be working with a coach and doing weekly check-ins to keep track of my progress. I will be working out 4-5x per week and getting 10,000 steps daily. In addition, I will be drinking a gallon of water everyday and following a meal plan! WHY: I want to feel better overall. I am out of shape and have been neglecting my health for a long time. I am ready to take charge of my wellbeing. In addition, I want to be able to fit into my old jeans in time for fall!