Happy New Year!!
Health, wellness and weight loss goals are typically top of the list for most of us, especially after we had a bit too much of all those holiday treats.
But hold on, before you jump into the newest diet and exercise plan, did you know that statistically only 8% of all people who make a new years resolution are ending up being successful?
Want to find out how to become one of those successful few, who actually achieve their goals?
It’s actually quite simple. You need to make your goals specific.
People proclaim, “I’m finally going to get in shape.” But what does that mean?
Loosing a certain amount of weight, or a specific percent of body fat? Regular walks around the neighborhood, or run a half marathon? Getting 8 hours of sleep, or getting to bed at 10pm?
What you need is to go beyond vaguely stated intentions and document plan with specific goals that you follow up on frequently.
Here is some guidance:
- 1. Determine your position
Determine where you are and evaluate your present condition. You need to know where you are before you can plan where you are going. - 2. Define your goal
Clearly state your goal. You need to know and write down exactly where you want to be in what period of time. Make SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. - 3. Describe the reward
Every goal must have a payoff or reward. If there’s no reward, then there’s no motivation to reach it. If you don’t understand the profit, you’ll get discouraged and give up. - 4. Visualize your goals
Once you know your goals, write them down and put them where you can see them. Meditate or pray over them, to keep remembering yourself why you started off on that journey. - 5. Share your goals
Social support from family, friends or a community of like minded people is critical. Yes, it takes some courage and vulnerability to share something that you are trying to achieve, but the support you will receive will drastically improve your chances to succeed.
Dr. Marciano says, achieving your goals is not about willpower. It’s about developing the right skills, execution strategies, and having the patience that inevitably lead to success.
