2024 is coming to a close, which means many of us are reflecting on the year and dreaming about what we will accomplish in 2025. Is this finally going to be YOUR year? Or will you start with momentum, only to let the excitement fizzle come February? Let us help you avoid the latter by understanding the need to set SMART goals! If you’re ready to dive right in without reading further, schedule a Free Intro and chat with a coach!
What is a SMART goal?
Specific: Well defined, clear, and unambiguous
Measurable: With specific criteria that measure your progress toward the accomplishment of the goal
Achievable: Attainable and not impossible to achieve
Realistic: Within reach, realistic, and relevant to your life purpose
Timely: With a clearly defined timeline, including a starting date and a target date. The purpose is to create urgency.
Let’s break down each one to determine how you can relate it to your specific goal
Specific
The ultra-vague “I want to lose weight in 2025” goal is something very few people will accomplish. Goals that are specific have a significantly greater chance of being accomplished. You can always change that goal to “I want to lose 25 pounds in 2025.”
To make a goal specific, the five “W” questions must be considered:
- Who: Who is involved in this goal?
- What: What do I want to accomplish?
- Where: Where is this goal to be achieved?
- When: When do I want to achieve this goal?
- Why: Why do I want to achieve this goal?
Measurable
A SMART goal must have criteria for measuring progress. If there are no criteria, you will not be able to determine your progress and if you are on track to reach your goal. You can measure progress of the goal stated above by weighing in each week to determine if you are on the right track. To make a goal measurable, ask yourself:
- How many/much?
- How do I know if I have reached my goal?
- What is my indicator of progress?
Achievable
A SMART goal must be achievable and attainable. This will help you figure out ways you can realize that goal and work towards it. The achievability of the goal should be stretched to make you feel challenged, but defined well enough that you can actually achieve it. Ask yourself:
- Do I have the resources and capabilities to achieve the goal? If not, what am I missing?
- Have others done it successfully before?
Realistic
A SMART goal must be realistic in that the goal can be realistically achieved given the available resources and time. A SMART goal is likely realistic if you believe that it can be accomplished. Ask yourself:
- Is the goal realistic and within reach?
- Is the goal reachable, given the time and resources?
- Are you able to commit to achieving the goal?
Timely
A SMART goal must be time-bound in that it has a start and finish date. If the goal is not time-constrained, there will be no sense of urgency and, therefore, less motivation to achieve the goal. The add a time constraint to the original goal above, it can be changed to “I want to lose 25 pounds by June in 2025.” Ask yourself:
- Does my goal have a deadline?
- By when do you want to achieve your goal?
What is your goal?
Deciding what you want to accomplish in 2025 should take some real thought and effort. It can be a bit of a daunting process, but you’ll learn that enjoying the process of reaching a goal is part of what makes it so special. If you are starting a weight loss journey, we know you’ll be happy to see your goal number on the scale, but you’ll also be proud of yourself for staying committed. You’ll remember the workouts, sacrifices, and meal prep that help you get to where you feel and look your best. Do you need help deciding what’s next for you? Schedule a Goal Review with one of our coaches to get some professional help for free!
