Hey loves!!!! if you guys have been reading my blog for quite some time, this post might feel redundant but I love sharing these tips when the new year rolls around.
I am not a big fan of resolutions…in fact I hate them. I think the main reason that I dislike resolutions is because they usually sound like a blank statement “I will quit smoking”. I prefer to make goals; when someone makes a goal, they are more inclined to write down a game plan such as “This week I will make the choice not to smoke, instead I will go to the store and buy gum to chew when I get a craving”. We all know by now that a goal without a plan is just a dream so that is where the S.M.A.R.T. Method comes into play:
SPECIFIC: The goals must specifically state what is to be accomplished. They must be easily understood and should not be ambiguous or subject to interpretation. For example, rather than stating you would like to improve your fitness level, set a specific goal to be able to run a mile in 12 minutes.
MEASURABLE: The goals must be measureable so that there is no doubt about whether you achieved them. Measurable goals also allow you to evaluate your progress. Goals can be measured objectively or subjectively (i.e., how you feel and look), or both. For example, you could measure your percent body fat and body weight, but also monitor how your pants fit.
ATTAINABLE: The goals must be attainable—not too difficult or too easy. Easy goals do not motivate, and overly difficult ones may frustrate you and lead to a perception of failure.
RELEVANT: The goals must be relevant or pertinent to your particular interests, needs and abilities. For example, when preparing for a 5K walk, running quarter-mile sprints would not be the best approach.
TIME-BOUND: The goals must be time-bound by specific deadlines for completion. Timelines can be both short-term and long-term and should help you stay focused and on track.
This year I decided to do 1 month of yoga in January and I used the SMART Method to help me achieve this goal:
Specific: I will do Yoga for 31 days.
Measurable: I will practice every day for 20 minutes.
Attainable: 20 minutes of Yoga is something that I can easily fit into my day.
Relevant: I want to progress and master challenging poses such as crane (which I did).
Time-Bound: I started this in January and took it month by month and here we are, one year later and I am still going strong!
I am a big believer that the SMART method is the way to go when setting goals and I always use it when I sit down with clients. The more specific you are, the better. So what are YOU looking to achieve in 2015?
Have a wonderful New Year!
Namaste…
