SETTING GOALS - S.M.A.R.T
It’s important to set goals to work towards. Many people just go to the gym without a plan and any goals. When deciding what goals, you want to work towards, make sure they are S.M.A.R.T goals.
S.M.A.R.T stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.
In a year we will aim to lose 24kg and 6 inches off his waist. We can then set short term goals of losing 6kg and 1.5 inches at the 3 month point, and 16kg and 4 inches from his waist at 8 months.
Now we have set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound, I can now make a plan to work towards achieving them.
S.M.A.R.T stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound.
- Specific- Your goals shouldn't be too general. Saying you want to be healthier isn't specific. You might want to be healthier, but breaking it into specifics (lower blood pressure, running a mile etc) will give you something to work to.
- Measurable -You should have goals that can be measured. For example, Getting leaner isn't a goal. How will you track your goal and know you've achieved it? Losing 14kg and 4 inches off your waist is something you can aim for and work towards.
- Attainable - Is your goal something that's possible? There's no point setting a goal you don't have a chance to achieve.
- Relevant - Set goals that are important to where you are in your life right now. Choose something that will motivate you.
- Time bound- Include an end-point. Knowing that you have a deadline motivates you to get started. Set short, medium and long term goals that on each other.
In a year we will aim to lose 24kg and 6 inches off his waist. We can then set short term goals of losing 6kg and 1.5 inches at the 3 month point, and 16kg and 4 inches from his waist at 8 months.
Now we have set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound, I can now make a plan to work towards achieving them.