SMART Goals

With the holidays approaching and the New Year around the corner its time to set goals this year that you can and will achieve.  Make sure they are SMART!

Specific: What is the exact outcome you want?  Dream big and you will make it!  Learn why this goal is attractive and that will be your driving force in achieving it.
    
Measurable: Do you care more about the number on the scale or what size clothes you fit into?  What time do you want to be able to run a mile in?  The more you can track your progress the better.  

Attainable: Was there a time in your life you did weigh 150lbs?  Explore lifestyle changes, road blocks and budget restraints.  Obstacles can lead to opportunities of growth.     

Realistic: How can this goal be reached?  What steps will be taken?  Sometimes setting up smaller goals to reach this bigger goal is a great idea.

Timely: This goal needs a deadline...4 weeks, 3 months, 1yr? your wedding day? birthday?

Examples of "good" goals:

• I want to do well in my classes.
• I want to loose weight.
• I want to run a 5K race.
• I want to build up my savings account.

Examples of "SMART"goals:

• I will earn a 3.0 GPA this year with no grade below a B.
• I will be in a size 4 dress by my wedding day with the help of my personal trainer.
• I will run a 5K Turkey Trot in less than a half hour.
• I will have $5,000 in savings in the bank by the end of 2013.