Start SMART to Succeed

January 7, 2020

Start SMART to Succeed

Start SMART to Succeed: How to Actually Accomplish Your Healthy New Year’s Resolutions

Before we get started, I have a question for you: Do you set new year’s resolutions?
Personally . . . I don’t. No judgment if you do though! I don’t feel that I’m as likely to stick to a “resolution,” so instead, I create a vision board for each new year, cast my intentions, and set some long-term goals that I know I’d like to hit over the next 12 months.

Whether you call them resolutions, goals, intentions, or something else though, one thing remains the same: The key to succeeding is starting off on the right foot.

 

So how can we start SMART to succeed with our healthy new year’s resolutions?

First thing’s first—your success starts with choosing the RIGHT goals. My favorite way to do this is to “start with the end in mind,” and then break our big goal down into smaller chunks that can be achieved throughout the year. 

To do this in a way that I know is realistic and actually accomplishable, I always like to remind my clients (and myself!) to set SMART goals. 

If you’ve been part of my community for a while, you’ve likely heard me talk about my love for SMART goals before. If you haven’t, you can find the full scoop on SMART goals in my blog from around this time last year, SMART Goals: Start the New Year Off Strong.

Basically, the gist is this: SMART is an acronym that stands for:

  • Simple

  • Measurable

  • Achievable 

  • Realistic

  • Time-Based

As you think about your goals (or resolutions) for the new year, ask yourself: Does your goal meet that criteria? Do you need to hone it, make it a little more focused, or give yourself a deadline?

 

An example I always like to use when explaining SMART goals is: “I want to run a marathon.” 

On the surface, this might seem like a clear goal to set for yourself . . . but let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?

When we compare the goal, “I want to run a marathon” against our SMART goals checklist, we realize that it:

  • ...is anything but simple!

  • ...IS somewhat measurable.

  • ...IS achievable (for most people, as a long-term goal).

  • ...may or may not be realistic (depending on your current status as a runner as compared to your deadline).

  • ...has no defined timeline or deadline.

As you can see, “I want to run a marathon” only meets two of our SMART goal factors—and that’s being generous. While it sounds good on paper, this statement is ultimately more of an aspiration than a clearly defined goal.

 

How to Turn an Aspiration Into a SMART Goal

So… how do we turn an aspiration into a SMART goal? Easy! We just do some work to define the goal more clearly and/or break it into smaller pieces. Sticking with the same example:

  • S(imple): Since running a marathon isn’t simple for the average person, we might decide to start with the goal of running a 5k, with the intention of building from there.

  • M(easurable): How will you measure your success? You could do this in terms of distance (For example, maybe you’ll know you’ve met your goal when you can run the whole 5k distance without having to walk at all). You could also measure your speed; maybe you can already technically run a 5k, but you want to knock a couple minutes off your time. Both are great!

  • A(chievable): As long as you’re in average-above average physical health and you’re willing to choose a realistic deadline, this goal should be totally achievable. 

  • R(ealistic): Again, this could vary based on your deadline. For most people in great physical health, you should plan about 8-12 weeks to prepare for a 5k race. 

  • T(ime-based): Set a deadline for yourself! Using the estimate above, decide WHEN you’ll run the race. This is one of the most important parts of setting a SMART goal.

This process, of course, is applicable to so much more than marathon running. In fact, you can use it to reverse-engineer your success with almost any goal! Stay tuned throughout the month for my best tips on using SMART goals to succeed with all your eat, move, and recharge resolutions this year.

 

Is healthier living one of your goals for 2020?

If so, I want to personally invite you to join me in my Thrive VIP Community! Thrive is a membership group full of women who value our health and want to make better choices, no matter how busy and crazy life gets. We’re kicking off a 7-Day Real Food Detox on January 23 (no fasting and no weird juice cleanses, I swear!), and I’d LOVE to help you get involved! Click here to learn more about how I can help you THRIVE with your health this year.