So you've decided to set a New Year's Resolution goal. You plan to use
the S.M.A.R.T. method to reach your goals. Awesome! You've been here
before... you've tried all the diets, all the gimmick workouts... but you still haven't
been able to reach your goal... Here are some tips that go a little deeper than just
the physical aspect of reaching your goals. Many goals and dreams fall
short because we lose focus mentally and emotionally. We can get off track with
no accountability, Read on for some more helpful tips for reaching your New
Year's Resolution goals the S.M.A.R.T. way!
SELF EVALUATION
If you feel like you are doing everything possible to attain your S.M.A.R.T. goal but are still coming up short, perhaps you need a reality check. Try keeping a diet and exercise journal for one week and check to see if you are actually maintaining a program that will get you where you want to be. You can use websites such as www.choosemyplate.gov or apps such as fitpal or loseit, which will help you record and analyze your diet and exercise. You may be surprised how many or too few calories you are actually eating!
BEHAVIORAL vs. PHYSIOLOGICAL People often start a program with the intention of making a change, but struggle to stick with it. Remember, it is only when you decide that you are ready to make a real commitment to this change and do it for yourself that you expect results. Without a real resolution to change, you will likely encounter many obstacles and barriers that will make sticking with the program difficult. Many times, whether it be fitness related, alcohol or drugs, work related... whatever.. we have to come to a crossroad in our life... reach a point of urgency before we can truly commit to change. Many times we need to be "sick and tired of being sick and tired!"
Before setting your S.M.A.R.T. goals, consider the following:
*Ask yourself why you want to make this change and who you are doing it for.
*Write down a list of all the benefits you foresee and a list of costs (e.g., time, effort and money) that will be required to do so. If the balance swings in favor of the benefits, you are likely to stick with the program.
*Identify a support system. Find individuals of significance in your life who will support your desire to change and perhaps even join you.
*Select some rewards for achieving major steps in your program. Recognize your achievements with treats such as a purchase, attending a function or even taking a trip. Such rewards will help you stay motivated during the beginning of your program.
*Visibly place prompts and cues that constantly remind you of the decision you made to change, and remove any stimuli that may trigger undesirable behaviors. For example, placing visible notes, having a pair of pants you used to fit in hanging where you see them every day or keeping a workout bag in the front seat of your car will prompt positive behavior, while removing ice cream from the freezer may remove a negative stimulus.
*Commit to the goal! Set appointments in your phone, planner etc. as you would any other appointment. Set an environment that will lead to success. Once you have figured out what your specific goal is, what time frame you have to achieve it and the method and resources in place to achieve your goals, stay focused and go after it!