Happy New Year! 2017 is upon us and I feel a positive shift in all those around me. There is a vibe and it’s different. The realisation of how important it is to stop and be present is increasingly being practiced in society today. Life is just too busy which is why those who are aware have the ability to know exactly what they want to achieve and how to go about it!
So many of us place enormous pressure on ourselves to achieve a specific goal that may take months to achieve for example ‘weight loss’ being one of the more popular new years resolutions. How easy is it to announce to the world on the first day of the year – I want to lose weight? And how easy is it a few days into January to lose your way? I am here to tell you that it is very common and you are not the only one!
So how can you make the things you want in life (both personally and professionally) achievable?
To put it simply, it’s about breaking down the end result. You want to lose weight? How are you going to achieve this? What is your motivation for losing weight? In what time frame? How will you eat? What will be your exercise plan? And the list goes on…you can see why a few days in, you’re ready to throw in the towel!
Ok – so let’s think about it. How much more achievable will your goals be if you mapped out the steps required in order to reach the ‘ultimate goal’? Use the SMART goals principles, as it is a researched process that makes goals attainable. Here is an example of what an action orientated goal looks like:
Specific – Your goal should be clear and easy to understand.
Example: I will lose weight.
Measurable – How will you track your progress and how will you know when u reach your goals?
Example: I want to lose body fat (and will track this with quarterly dexa scans)
Attainable – Add a number to it.
Example: I want to drop 7% of body fat (as opposed to 37%)
Realistic – Is the goal relevant to you? Make sure the goal is motivating to you.
Example: I have at least 10% to lose, so 7% is realistic – as opposed to wanting to lose 7% when I only have at most 5% to lose
Timely – Include an endpoint. Having a deadline motivates you to get started.
Example: I want to lose 7% body fat, which I will track with quarterly dexa scans by December 31, 2017
The reality is that there is no point in setting the same resolutions you’ve been setting for years on end, only to feel disappointed and down on yourself. Like Albert Einstein said, insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.
Do it differently this time... BE SMART
This article can also be found at www.metrodietetics.com.au