The lifestyle change goal setting plan is the SMART way. You can choose which is your goal – a dress – or a new you. No matter which of the lifestyle change goals you set, a SMART plan is what will bring you there. You know why you want to change – here is a smart way to start your lifestyle change journey.
Be SMART about lifestyle change goals
Don’t fool yourself into thinking that this is not work – because it is. Like any project, or task it takes planning and projecting. If you are choosing to change permanently it takes days, months and years to get there. Now – you panic…. Don’t do that! This is the most rewarding and enjoyable journey I have ever taken. And, while I so wish I would have done it sooner – it is never too late (not too early for that matter :))
SMART
SMART is a mnemonic (learning technique), giving criteria to guide in the setting of objectives, for example in project management, employee performance management and personal development. The letters broadly conform to the words specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound.
When setting any goal you need a road to get there – and Lifestyle change is just the same.
To make it easier to get and fun, I have made my own abbreviations to match the SMART from the actual model – although the principles are just the same.
Be SMART about your lifestyle change goals
Lifestyle change goals the SMART way
First set your lifestyle change goal….. But – here is the catch. The lifestyle change goal has to be something can feel you can do, something you can see and feel, and something you feel rewarded by.
Visualise what you want to feel like in 1 year, six months, 2 months from now…
Your lifestyle goal should be:
Solid
A goal that you can see and feel within yourself. The S stands for the WHAT, the WHY, and the HOW. What do you want to look like? What do you want to feel? Why do you want to feel better? How can you get there? The answers may not come to immediately – but hey, that’s why you are reading this, right? Read this blog and you will find your What, Why and How
Meaningful
Well managed – you must be able to see results along the way, so divide the day, week, month, year into viewable chunks that you can see. There are easy methods to measure where you are – and this make the journey so much more fun. You feel motivated to go on.
Active
An action plan that you can do. Do not set out to go for a run the first week, if you have not been for one for a while. You must be able to do what you set out to do – and achieve your goal – not only for the first week but throughout the journey. Step by step you get there – and with a time plan to help it gets even better. The fun thing is that you will learn a lot of new skills along the way, and these skills will help you get to your goal. You will also discover some new activities, foods or techniques that don’t suit you – so you can readjust along the way. For instance – not everyone takes to rumba, jogging or Ratatouille – so try different forms of exercise and food.
Reward
Results along the way. In order to get there you need to feel rewarded that you are on the right path – and to do that you can set mini targets that you can reach each day, week, month and year. And – by reaching these mini goals you reward yourself with an imaginary gold star (or that App you wanted ?) . These checks along the way makes you feel that you have reached yet another level on your road to wellness, and in themselves they represent huge outcomes of success.
Time
…and time alone will tell that you are on your way – and therefore you need to give yourself deadlines, and goals you can and will measure. To give yourself time boundaries you set yourself up to ‘rules’ that you yourself are accountable for. No-one will smack you if you didn’t manage, but you will not feel too good about it. So – time boundaries allows you to adjust as need be, and measure success when the goals have been met. Without time links the goals tend to float away.
It helps to have a simple set of questions to formulate your lifestyle change goals. Once you have the goals set, and your plan in place – lets us get started with the actual pieces of the puzzle. Let the fun begin!
Lifestyle change is all about setting a goal – making a plan – enjoying the bumps in the road – and actually getting there. You can and you will! I did! 🙂
SMART lifestyle change – your goal!
Have fun in visualising your new you – set up your lifestyle change goals. You are about to start the journey of a lifetime – that lasts a lifetime!
How did your plan go? Ready for more? Follow The GOODista, and find inspiration!
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