Will you be SMART in the New Year?

photo credit: https://www.mapcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/smart-goals.jpg

On this the first day of a New Year we not only reflect on the events and emotion of the past year, but we begin to look forward to, and plan a new year to come. Are you someone who makes resolutions? Are you someone who makes the same resolutions year after year, because you never accomplished them the year before? If that’s the case, you are probably feeling like you have failed yourself, like you are unable to keep promises to yourself, and now maybe you’re not too optimistic about meeting your goals for 2018. But perhaps you just need a little help. Perhaps it has nothing to do with “will power” and everything to do with proper planning. After all, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

A goal is only as good as its execution. And often the thought or desire is there, but the goal seems completely overwhelming and wears you out just thinking about it. And while some are overzealous with their “all or nothing” mentality….”nothing” is exactly what they will accomplish. But what if you were to break your goal down into smaller steps? Small achievable pieces, that when added together, create the sum of your desires.

Suppose you want to lose 40 lbs. Is it realistic or reasonable to think you will shed 40 lbs in a month? No. Nor is it healthy! Let me share with you something that was taught to me in my early days as a Sales Rep. It’s called S.M.A.R.T Goals. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely. The acronym S.M.A.R.T. is very helpful in executing ANY goal!

S – Specific. Have you outlined what it is that you want to accomplish? “I want to lose 40lbs” is not very specific. How do you plan to do this? What are you willing to change? Will you need professional help or support with nutrition? Will you incorporate an exercise program? Where will these changes take place? Do you require a gym membership? Extra funds? What is your motivation – what is your why? When will you be truly ready to start? Do you need to put some time into preparation?

M – Measurable. How will you gauge your success? How will you determine if you are making progress? Will you weigh in? Use a favorite pair of jeans to gauge your changing shape? Will you gauge how much energy you have through your exercise fatigue? Or by how much better you are feeling? Will you keep a journal? Will you rely on a professional to help you gauge your success?

A – Attainable. Is it physically possible for your body to lose 40lbs? Is it possible for your body to lose 40lbs in a month? While some goals may be attainable (as in – if you didn’t eat a stitch of food for a month perhaps you could lose 40lbs) that doesn’t make it realistic.

R – Realistic. While 40lbs physical weight loss may be possible, it is not a realistic goal to think one could or should stop eating! Reality is what happens when you take all your other priorities into consideration, right from survival to hunger pangs to work load and responsibilities, and shuffle everything into place.

T – Timely. A goal without a deadline is just a dream. In order for you to hold yourself accountable to a goal, you must cap it with a timeline. To say you want to lose 40lbs is one thing. To say you want to lose 40lbs by 2019 is timely. AND attainable. AND realistic!

The first step in any SMART goal is to put it into writing. If you truly want to achieve a goal, get serious with yourself. Put it to ink. Don’t just dedicate yourself to the thought process…dedicate yourself to the process, the journey, and the execution. Remember; the word impossible actually states: I’M POSSIBLE!

Hmm. Food for thought.

….Stay Healthy Friends! :0)

T ox

Tricia Nickl Holistic Nutrition & Iridology