The kids have gone back to school and everyone seems to be falling back into their regular routines or starting new workout and weight loss regimens.\u00a0 Goal setting is a vital part to success, but vague unrealistic goals will not get you to where you want to be.<\/p>\n
Here is a great 5 step method to ensure you are setting realistic and attainable goals to help stay motivated and produce a successful outcome:<\/p>\n
What are SMART<\/strong> Goals?<\/p>\n S\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Specific<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Is your goal clearly defined? Make sure you set specific weight loss or fitness goals.\u00a0 \u201cI want to lose weight\u201d is too vague, but \u201cI want to lose 10lbs in 5 weeks at a rate of 2lbs per week\u201d is more likely to keep you motivated each week.<\/p>\n M\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Measurable<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Saying \u201cI want to get in better shape\u201d is not measurable; however, \u201cI want to be able to run on the treadmill for 30 minutes at level 6.0 without walking\u201d is more specific and it will be easier to measure progress.<\/p>\n A\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Action Oriented<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n You should outline specific steps to reach your goal within a specified time frame.\u00a0 If you want to be able to run on the treadmill for 30 minutes at level 6.0 without walking in 6 weeks, what are you going to do to be able to reach this goal? Create a timeline and program to follow that gradually decreases your walking time and increases your running time over a 6 week period.<\/p>\n R\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Realistic<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Be sure the goals you set are attainable within your lifestyle and fitness level.\u00a0\u00a0 For example, \u201cI am going to run 7 days per week for 30 minutes until I can do it without walking\u201d is not realistic.\u00a0 Instead, make shorter goals to help you reach the final goal at the end.\u00a0 \u201cI am going to be able to run for 20 minutes without walking in 2 weeks\u201d and then \u201cI will increase this to 25 minutes over the next 2 weeks\u201d etc.<\/p>\n T\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Timed<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Set deadlines that will keep you on track.\u00a0 \u201cI want to lose 10lbs\u201d provides no deadline and does not hold you accountable.\u00a0 Set a large goal with a deadline along with many \u201cmini-goals\u201d along the way to use as progress check-in points.\u00a0 \u201cIn 2 weeks I want to be down 3 to 4lbs\u201d is more realistic and keeps you on track to the final goal of losing 10lbs in 6 weeks.<\/p>\n Other great goal setting tips:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n