This is about the time, according to the statistics, that New Year Resolutions come to an end. How are you doing with the goals you set at the beginning of the year?
If you started the year with a goal to exercise, but seem to be falling short, I want to show you how to be S.M.A.R.T. with your exercise to achieve your goals.
Be SPECIFIC
Was your ambition simply to start exercising? You may find it easier to follow if you made it a little more specific.
For example:
- I will exercise for 30 minutes three days a week.
Make it MEASUREABLE
Have you said, “I am going to take better care of myself” or “I am going to spend more time with God.”
The question is: how will you know? Write out your goals so that you can measure the outcome.
For example:
- I will be taking better care of myself, by attending one yoga class a week
- I will have quiet time with God by getting up 30 minutes earlier than my normal routine 3 days a week
Make Them ACTION Oriented
To get results, determine what actions or behaviors you need to take to achieve your goal. I find I spend the majority of time here with most of my clients. How you will do it is just as important as setting the actual goal.
For example:
- To meet my goal of exercising 3 times a week, I will set out my clothes the night before (action).
Your actions and behaviors will set you up to achieve results
Be REALISTIC
If making time for exercise has been a challenge in the past, having a goal to now exercise five days a week may be unrealistic. Start off with a number you feel is doable and realistic for you such as three times instead of five times a week.
Be TIME Bound
Without setting a date of completion, it is easy to procrastinate. Giving yourself a specific time that you want to have it done can keep you motivated to achieve it.
For example:
- I will run/walk a 5K by June 1
If you have lost your motivation, don’t give up. Revaluate and be S.M.A.R.T. with your exercise then submit it to the Lord.
- Specific
- Measurable
- Action Oriented
- Realistic
- Time Bound
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do; and your plans will succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3
In Good Health,
Crystal
