Setting Goals like a Smarty

Hello, Everyone

I hope you all had a safe and fun time this past weekend while ringing in the New Year!

(not the most flattering picture…Michael must of taken it)

I enjoyed some Organic Sparkling Apple Cider….it was a special occasion after all

BEST part of my night?

The NKOTB/ Backstreet Boys reunion performance

Twas’ Amazing…

Now it’s time to take down the decorations (booo), and prepare myself for an overly crowded gym for the next two weeks. I have a love-hate relationship with New Years resolutions. One the one hand, they are GREAT for my business, on the other…they cramp my style when I am trying to go about my life of staying fit. The first Monday after January 1st, it never fails…my gym is SO crowded with new faces, you can’t get on ANY machines at all. It’s a bummer…but, I know it’s only going to stay that way for a week or two.

So why do some people NEVER cease to amaze me with their broken resolutions? How come they get all gung-ho the first few weeks of January, then drop right back into their old ways by February?

For one…I think people like instant results….which isn’t quite realistic. You may do some very low calorie fad diet and immediately drop a few pounds, but after a short amount of time you will be so starved, realized that you’re body just can’t keep up with living like this….so you get frustrated, and order an extra large pizza, then it’s downhill from there. I think there are many people out there that have an “all or nothing” attitude. I have seen it first hand with clients, and it’s my job to get them out of that way of thinking…because you are setting yourself up for disappointment when you do.

So, whether it’s a goal to lose weight, become more organized (a regular resolution for me), or go on more vacations….there is a pretty good formula to follow. This is an oldie, but goodie…and I apologize if you already know it or read about it before on my blog:

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely

If your goal is to “lose weight”  (I will use this example since it’s the most popular this time of year) you can’t just make that your goal. First off, everyone knows how I feel about the scale. However, I don’t think there is anything wrong with measuring your results. I have a tool on my Online Training Website that will supply you with a Free Fitness Analysis. I urge you to read the entire report, it will let you know your BMI, but also explains how BMI is not a great way to measure your health, since muscle weighs more than fat and someone with a lower body fat percentage can weigh the same as another person with a much higher fat percentage, meaning they will essentially be a different size, but weigh the same.

So back to your goals. If you would like to drop a few pounds, or inches I should say, you need to make your goal specific to make it a success:

Specific: “My goal is to exercise at least 4 times a week combining strength training and cardio as well as cut down on refined sugar and increase my intake of fruits and vegetables and healthy grains  to improve my body composition.”

–This is much more specific than “I want to lose weight.” You need to have a plan in place that will help you to reach that goal.

Measurable: “I would like to drop two dress sizes”

-You need to have a goal that you can measure. Whether it’s losing a certain body fat percentage or a dress or pants size you would like to achieve.

Attainable: “I would like to drop two dress sizes by April 1st.”

-this gives you plenty of time to reach a goal that will be more likely to stay off, as opposed to a get slim quick plan.

Realistic: Dropping two dress sizes is a realistic goal for someone that needs to drop 2 dress sizes. (Each individual’s realistic goals will vary based on body type)

Timely: “…by April 1st.”

-You have set a time in which you would like to reach that goal, making it more likely you will stay on track.

Do you think you will apply the S.M.A.R.T. goal setting to your new years resolutions? How do you feel about resolutions and goal setting in the new year?

source

One of my goals is to have my baby nursery organized, furnished and decorated by March 15th.

It’s a specific, measurable, attainable (if I have the help), realistic and timely goal!

In the condition my office is in now, if I said I wanted this goal to be met by the end of this month, I would ultimately fail at it. If I give myself plenty of time, by March 15th, I am more likely to get it done without stressing myself out or becoming too overwhelmed by the process.

I do have  A LOT of work and planning ahead of me, but setting short term goals within my goal along that way will also help:

I might say: “I would like my office/den cleaned out and organized by February 15th.”

-Have a theme picked out at that time as well.

-Painted and shelved by the end of February.

-The doors put on the room by March 1st.

…and have all my furniture picked out and put together in the room by March 15th.

Short-term goal setting is always a smart thing to do when trying to reach a long-term goal

How was your holiday overall? What are your goals this year?

Have a wonderful day!

xxoo