Setting goals is a great way to track your progress and keep you motivated to continue working towards the changes you want to make. Whether you are trying to exercise more, add more plant-based foods to your diet, or make more time for self-care, SMART goals are designed to be achieved. When you reach a goal, you are motivated to continue working toward improving your overall health.
So, what are SMART goals, and why should you use them? SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely and are considered to be easier to reach than vague, unrealistic, and unattainable goals.
SMART goals give you an extra boost of motivation to help you achieve your goals. Best of all, SMART goals can be used by anyone, anywhere, without any specialized training or tools. And science has backed the use of SMART goals—one study found that implementing SMART goals can help people improve their health through “lifestyle medicine prescriptions” for things like diet and exercise.
Let’s take a look at a SMART goal in action:
I’ll spend more time exercising and less time watching Netflix by going for evening walks twice a week and will complete a total of 25 kilometres a month for the next six months.
- Specific: I want to walk 25 kilometres a month instead of watching Netflix.
- Measurable: I have set a weekly step goal of 8,800, and 25 kilometres a month for the next six months.
- Achievable: I enjoy walking and have everything I need to do this at my disposal.
- Relevant: By walking, I will start to improve my overall health.
- Time-bound: I’ll start this week and so this for six months and evaluate as I go
You can learn more about SMART goals and how to set them in How SMART goal setting can help you achieve your goals.