Keep the promises to yourself this year
For some, goal setting is a part of life and happens easily. For others it can cause stress and anxiety to the point where they don’t even bother anymore. This usually happens after someone has made many promises to themselves year after year that they just haven’t kept. So, why do so many fail? I believe the biggest problem with goal setting is most people don’t follow through with all of the critical steps, get side tracked, and then simply give up. This doesn’t have to happen.
Being a personal fitness trainer and health coach, I work with clients and their goals every day. I’ve taken the SMART Goal System which is very prevalent in the personal training field and expanded it with a few things I’ve learned over the years to ensure an even greater success rate. Although I use fitness examples here, this system will work with any goal as long as you follow all the steps and keep it in front of you daily.
Shari’s SMARTS Goal System:
S= Specific: The goal must be very specific and very clear to you. If it’s to lose weight how much weight? Get into what being at your dream weight is going to be like, what do you look like? Picture yourself in your mind at that weight. How do you feel once you get there? Get into that mindset and write down every aspect of being in that body. Write affirmations based on you being at this weight and read them every morning and evening as you’re reaching your goal.
M= Measurable: There must be a way you can measure your goal so you know when you get there. It’s better to have a goal that’s physically attainable vs. something that “feels” different to you. That’s just too dependent on what mood you’re in. Example: “I want to fit into my size 8 skinny jeans” is easier to measure than “I want to look good in skinny jeans”.
A= Attainable: You need to believe you can achieve this goal. Without your own belief, it won’t happen. If you’re unsure, find others who have already accomplished this goal or find a specialist in this area that can help design an attainable goal with you.
R=Reason: I believe this is the most important piece of the puzzle. Your reason for getting there must be more important than the things that will come up to stop you. Please do not gloss over this step. If your goal is health related, the reasons you want to lose weight have to be stronger than the cookies in the cupboard that call your name every night. Example: “I want to become stronger so I will feel healthier” is too vague. “I want to be able to lift 40 pounds so I can easily carry my grandson when I watch him”. The real reason for better health here is that spending time with her grandson is important to her; it really has nothing to do with the actual weight lifted. Keep your reason in front of you daily so you won’t be tempted by potential stumbling blocks.
T=Time Bound: You must have a deadline for you to attain this goal. If you don’t have something like a high school reunion to go to – plan something fabulous and set the date for it. This is a great way to reward yourself and adding a little pressure will keep you accountable.
S= Steps: This is where your goals are reached. The action steps are where you make it happen. These are the small but important steps you are going to take daily, weekly, and monthly in support of your goal. I recommend these action steps be plugged into your daily schedule so they become long-term habits. The next thing you know, you will have accomplished your goal.
Are you ready to have the body you deserve and stop struggling with your weight? Contact Shari to set up your Goal Setting for Success coaching session. Shari@yourfabulousbody.com 720-381-1545
