Ready to Move Forward? Set S.M.A.R.T. Intentions

READY TO MOVE FORWARD? SET S.M.A.R.T. INTENTIONS

Did January start as you hoped? If you are like me and most of the world, January proved difficult with the continued impacts from the pandemic. 

The positive is we are all ready to get on with our lives and move forward. How do we do that? To begin, we must set clear intentions that are S.M.A.R.T. 

GOALS DEFINE OUR DESTINY

Goals define our destiny, not our aspirations. Our brain needs success to keep moving forward. With Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic (Relevant), Timely goals, you will achieve your intentions. 

So many of us state we want to lose weight, or maybe we want to clean out a closet, read the Bible, and learn a new language, but with no clear action plan. To achieve success, we first must set ourselves up for success by defining all aspects of our goals. 

S.M.A.R.T. goals ensure success by spelling out the actions steps with a clear timeline. They make sure the intentions are realistic and achievable. If we set unrealistic and unachievable goals, we will instantly lose motivation. Small achievable goals develop motivation and create more success for long-term sustainable achievement. 

WRITE DOWN YOUR INTENTIONS

The key to achieving your resolutions requires you to write them down with clearly defined action steps using the acronym S.M.A.R.T.: specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. 

For example, if you want to lose weight, a S.M.A.R.T. goal would state: 

To lose 5 lbs. (specific, measurable) by the end of February (timely) by working out 5 days a week for 45 minutes (specific, measurable), eating a whole food diet daily consisting of 75% plant-based (measurable, specific), and drinking 80 oz. of water (measurable, specific). 

DEFINE YOUR ACTION STEPS

After creating a S.M.A.R.T. goal, ask yourself, is it realistic and achievable? If yes, define your action steps on how to make it happen. 

For example,

S.M.A.R.T. Goal:

To lose 5 lbs. by the end of February by working out 5 days a week for 45 minutes, eating a whole food diet daily consisting of 75% plant-based, and drinking 80 oz. of water (achievable, realistic). 

Action Steps:

1. Strength train twice a week at the gym and cardio three days a week (Two days take a class, one day run/walk outside). 

2. Plan meals on Sunday for the week and grocery shop. 

3. Buy a 40 oz. water bottle, drink two canisters a day.

FIND SOMEONE TO HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE

After you have written out your detailed plan on how to achieve your S.M.A.R.T. goal, find an accountability partner or someone to hold you to it. Goals are better achieved in the community, and with support, a certified health and wellness coach is a great accountability partner. Book a free consultation now.

Take hold of your aspirations, control what you can control, set S.M.A.R.T. intentions, and move forward.

“Our goals can only be reached through the vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” -Pablo Picasso