~ SMART Goals ~

So today I was reading some articles on setting attainable goals and how they relate to weight loss.  Now, all this "research" stems from the new show Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition that I watched on NBC Monday night.  The trainer (Chris Powell), who is undeniably easy on the eyes, has such a knack of working with the morbidly obese with care, compassion, and motivation.  He doesn’t let them give up on themselves and helps them every step of the way – even moving in with them for 3 months to get them started building new habits in their own environment.  *Man wouldn’t that be nice!!*

You have to set goals in order to know where you are going.  Many people set goals every day without even realizing it.  Some set themselves up for failure at the start of their goal but not setting a SMART one….

So, to set a smart goal, it must be:

SPECIFIC –  You must state exactly what your goal is and be as specific as possible.  Use the word "will" instead of "want".

MEASURABLE – Your goal must be measurable and quantifiable.  So basically, you have to be able to see or prove that you accomplished it.

ATTAINABLE  – You must be able to achieve this goal within your daily time and financial constraints. Even if it starts out small, it’s better than what you are currently doing and it will eventually grow.

REALISTIC  – Keep your goals realistic!  Don’t expect more than you are willing to commit to this process.

TIME SENSITIVE  - Give yourself a specific time and date of when you will reach your goal.



NOTE:  Now take the paper with your SMART goal and hang it where you will see it every day – the refrigerator, bathroom mirror, desktop … maybe even all three of these places.

KEEP THE COMMITMENT IN FRONT OF YOU!

 …..This really opened my eyes for some reason.  Sure, I’ve set goals in the past but never once did I post that goal in front of me so that I can see it daily and be reminded of what I’m working for.  I always tucked it away so that no one else could see it (in case I failed).

So, I did this as soon as I could tonight.  I literally have post-its all over the place!  Now, I’m challenging you to do the same…..make your goal known and post it so you won’t forget what you are working towards!

"People often say that motivation doesn’t last.  Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily." - Zig Ziglar
……bring on the daily reminders….