Getting SMART About Goals

Scrolling through Instagram, blog posts, Facebook, Twitter (and the rest...) there are so many times you just want to say #goals and insert all the praise hand emojis. Whether it's someones physique, diet or attitude, their work ethic is obvious and pretty damn envy producing. What's different about them than you? It's not that they're better--it's that they made a goal and stuck to it.

As a teacher, I've been taught about specific ways of goal setting that works best for students and teachers alike. The great part is that these strategies work well for people outside of the classroom realm as well.

Specifically, SMART goals work great for health related ambitions. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant (Results Focused) and Time bound. For me, the key word in here is SPECIFIC. A SMART goal lays out the law, making it easier for you to follow and plot a path for success. They are not broad nor too far fetched.

What does a SMART goal look like and how do you make one? Think of a goal you'd like to achieve (for example, weight loss).

Make it Specific: Do you want to lose weight? Fat? Build a little muscle? Pick a specific goal.

Measurable: Weight is a measurable increment. You can track and monitor the progress. Make sure the goal has a way of measurement.

Attainable: Losing 20 pounds in 2 months isn't an attainable goal, but losing 5 pounds in one month might be. Choose something that is realistic.

Relevant: Focus on the outcome. How are you going to do this?

Time Bound: Set a time period to work within.

A SMART goal for weight loss might look like: I will lose up to 5 pounds of fat by next month by exercising 4 times per week for 1 hour a day.

These goals can obviously look a little different but, being specific will set you up for success.