As we approach mid-January, you may want to check in on your health-related New Year's resolutions. Regardless of your progress, having a reasonable, defined action plan can help make reaching your goals that much easier.
Set SMART goals
Setting SMART goals can help you give yourself the feeling of accomplishment and much-needed motivation to fuel your health journey.
When setting your goals, remember the SMART acronym:
Specific — What am I going to do? You need to have a specific plan in place to start. Take the time to design and research.
Measurable — How will I track my progress? You may say, "I would like to lose some weight." But it would be better if you said, "I want to lose 50 pounds in four months."
Achievable — What steps will I take to make this happen? Set a realistic goal. With the right weight-loss program, 50 pounds may be realistic. Depending on your weight loss approach, you may need to set smaller, more attainable goals.
Relevant — Is this important enough to me to want to do it? Think positively. Behavior only changes from the positive. Remember there are programs to help you accomplish your goal.
Time-framed — When will I do this? Set a specific target date. It is better to pick a start date when you have a plan in place.
Your SMART goals should consist of long-term and short-term goals. Establish your long-term goal first. An example of a long-term goal is: "I will walk briskly for 30 minutes each day at least five days a week."
However, if you haven't been exercising on a regular basis, there often is a need for intermediary, short-term goals. For example: "I will walk 15 minutes during my lunch hour at least three days each week for the next month." After reaching your short-term goal, extend your efforts gradually, until you ultimately accomplish your long-term goal.
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