Set Goals for a Healthy and Happy Life – Pt. 2

Last week we discussed the framework for creating S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals. This week we will discuss how to use this framework to set yourself up for success. You can read that article here.

To be successful in setting SMARTER goals for a healthy life, follow these steps:

• Know What You Want – Dig deep to figure out what you really want from your life. For example, you can say, “I want to be healthy,” but if you can’t define what being healthy means to you, it’s hard to figure out how to obtain it. So, narrow down exactly what it is you want.
  
  How will being healthy make you feel?
  
  What are the benefits you will receive from being healthy?
  
  Once you answer these questions, you are better able to make a plan to achieve this goal.

• Know Where You Are – As you set goals, it’s important to make them achievable. For example, if you want to lose 100 pounds, it may not happen in a year and most definitely not a few weeks. Instead you might set a goal to lose 20 pounds. Doesn’t that sound a little more doable inside six months to a year.
  
  Or if you want to run a marathon but have been a couch potato for a while, it’s going to take longer to reach your goal than someone who has been active for years. For this goal you might start with walking from your front door to the mailbox on the corner then work your way up from there. Slow and steady.

• Prioritize Your Wants and Needs – You may have to tackle a needed goal, such as getting the right nutrition before you can start on a wanted goal like building muscle.
• Develop a Supportive Environment – This is your tribe. The people you surround yourself with are critical to your success. Being around folks who want you to succeed, and who will hold your feet to the fire are the right people to be near you if you’re going to achieve your goals.
• Know The Benefits of Achievement – Sometimes, it’s hard to grasp the benefits of a goal you think you want, especially if it will take some time to achieve. Write down all the benefits of achievement to help you keep going on tough days. This will be something you can look back at when you’re feeling unmotivated and want to give up.
• Understand The Skills or Resources You Need to Succeed – As you design goals based on your wants and needs, you may discover that you’re missing an important skill set to accomplish that specific goal. You don’t need to quit; you just need to learn or buy the skillset.
• Ensure Goals Meet the S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goal Paradigm – Don’t just guess if you’re using this process. Take the time to describe and record everything so that you have a real plan.
• Set Your Plan in Your Schedule and Implement Your Plan – Planning isn’t enough. Let me say that again – planning is not enough. You have to put your plan into action to succeed. Include everything in your schedule. Whether it’s spending five minutes doing breathing exercises or thirty minutes walking, it won’t happen if you don’t block out the time.

Finally, make sure you reward your efforts. Even if you come short of your goal but still achieve a lot in the meantime, you deserve a reward. Whether your goal is to run the Boston Marathon, lose ten pounds, or write the next bestseller, developing S.M.A.R.T.E.R. goals will help. If you follow the plan created based on facts, there is no reason you won’t succeed.

Need more self-care tips including info on incorporating more laughter into your day,
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