Resolving to Set (and Keep) Goals

Are you a resolution setter?  I have set and broken so many resolutions that I don't make them anymore.  But I'm hardly immune to the effects of the New Year.  I know that for some it's just a flip of the calendar, but for me it's always an emotional time.  The ending of a year and start of a new one is a great opportunity to take stock of where I am - and how near (or far) I am from where I want to be.  If you're like me, you rehash the year in your mind, think about what's to come and make lists.  Lots of lists.  In the past, I've made lists for health related goals, for home, one for finances, relationship lists, etc, etc.  This year, I'm keeping it simple.  I'm keeping it SMART. I'll still probably add a goal or two for home and relationship, but this year I'm doing just three health related goals. If you're setting goals, I encourage you to keep them smart too!

What's a SMART goal?

• Specific - not vague or lofty, but really specific things you can actually DO.  I will eat less fast food vs. I will eat home-cooked meals 6 days of the week and eat out one day of the week.
• Measurable - how do you know if you met your goal?  You must make them measurable for them to count.
• Attainable - choose goals that you can really meet.  If you need to lose 200 pounds, maybe just start with 20.
• Realistic - you might want to work out 6 days per week, but what's really doable for you is 3.  Start there and work up if/when you can!  Three days per week is better than none.
• Time sensitive - set a deadline.  When do you want to meet this goal.  Or how frequently are you going to do whatever it is you're going to do.  For instance, each day, I will eat five servings of vegetables.  Or by June 1, 2014, I will pay off 50% of my debt.

SMART, right?   Now, what are my goals you ask?  Here you go:

1. Each day, I will eat at least 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables. (I'm close on this one, but not as consistent as I would like.)
2. I will drink 56 oz water every day.  (This one is a stretch for me, since I'm like a camel - who drinks a lot of coffee.)
3. Three days per week, I will engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity. (Seeking out a yoga class one day per week to help me get 1/3 of the way there!  Plus I bought a super cute running skirt today to help me be motivated - cute workout clothes does that.)

Source

Just three health related goals this year.  I started today.  I'm off to a good start!  What are your goals? Share them here.  Be healthy!