SETTING LONG-LASTING GOALS
A goal is a key to forming long-lasting habits. They provide a sense of direction, focus, and motivation. However, in most cases not all goals are established correctly, making them forgettable, not durable, and not motivating us to continue.
The way we set a goal is going to determine if it is going to last or if it is going to be forgotten. A “SMART” goal is best used to help set a goal. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. Let’s look at what each of these means and how they can be applied.
SPECIFIC
The clearer and more specific the goal, this means the narrower it is set, the more likely it is going to be accomplished. To make a goal-specific you must answer these questions:
- Who: Who is involved?
- What: What do I want to accomplish?
- Where: Where is this going to be achieved?
- When: When do I want to achieve it?
- Why: Why do I want to achieve it?
- Do not do this: “I want to eat better”.
Do this instead: “I want to eat healthier every day so I can have better health and make my diabetes go into remission”.
MEASURABLE
To stay focused and motivated you to need a way to track your progress. If there are no criteria, it will be difficult to track the progress made. To make a goal measurable answer these questions:
- How many/much?
- How do I know if I have reached my goal?
- What is my indicator of progress?
“I want to eat healthier every day so I can have better health and make my diabetes go into remission. Every day during lunchtime, I am going to incorporate a cup of chopped lettuce, tomato, radish, cucumber, and carrots”.
ACHIEVABLE
Your goal needs to be achievable and realistic to be successful. Take into consideration the following questions when setting a goal:
- How can I accomplish this goal?
- How realistic is the goal, based on other constraints, such as financial factors?
- Are you able to commit to achieving the goal?
RELEVANT
This step will make sure the goal matters to you, to your values and long-term goals. Ask yourself why this goal is important to you, how achieving it will help you and how it will contribute to your long-term goals. If the goal is relevant the answer will be “yes” to these questions:
- Does this seem worthwhile?
- Is this the right time?
- Does this match your other efforts/needs?
- Am I the right person to reach this goal?
TIMELY
A goal must have a start and an end. If the goals are not time-constrained, there won’t be a sense of urgency which will motivate you less. Answer these questions:
- Does my goal have a deadline?
- By when do you want to achieve your goal?
“Starting the 1st of July, I want to eat healthier every day so I can have better health and make my diabetes go into remission. Every day during lunchtime, I am going to incorporate a cup of chopped lettuce, tomato, radish, cucumber, and carrots. By the 30th of July, I will be able to include every day a cup of salad”.
I hope this helps you create better and long-lasting goals towards a healthier lifestyle. Remember, anything can be achieved if you put your mind to it. For even more useful tips, visit our YouTube Channel: SugarMD.
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