The SMART goal checklist is a great goal-setting tool. SMART goals are specific and measurable. They can be attainable, realistic, time-bound, and attainable.
You have chosen to improve your health by eating right and exercising. What now?
Our experts recommend that you set specific goals and achieve them to be successful.
“Having vague goals like ‘eat healthier’ or ‘exercise more can lead to frustration because there is no clear starting place, no way of evaluating the feasibility, and no way for you to know if it’s possible to achieve the goal,” Andrea Murray, health education specialist at the Cancer Prevention Center.
The SMART goal checklist is a great goal-setting strategy. SMART goals stand for Specific, Measurable and Attainable Goals. They are also realistic, achievable, realistic, time-bound, and measurable.
Murray says, ” Having a SMART goals allows you to clearly define your goals and how you will measure them. ” Ask yourself these questions as you create your goal.
Is your goal specific? The first step to developing a new habit is clearly describing what it will look like. Instead of saying that you will eat more fruits and vegetables, your goal may be to fill 1/3 of your plate with nonstarchy fruits and vegetables at every meal.
Is your goal quantifiable ? You can keep track of your progress by measuring it and holding yourself accountable. You can keep track of your progress by keeping a journal online or on paper.
Try walking for at least half an hour five days per week to be more active. Keep track of your daily activity and keep track of your progress. A simple pedometer will help you track your steps and allow you to increase them.
Is your goal attainable? Is your goal achievable?
Is your goal realistic? Realistic goals can avoid setbacks, false starts and help you avoid disappointment. Training for a marathon might not be feasible if you don’t like running.
Try to aim for something difficult but not impossible. If you find it too difficult, you can always change your goal. Start small to make long-term behavioral changes.
Is your goal time-bound? It is easier to delay goals without deadlines or starting points. Specify when and how often your new behavior will be implemented. A goal to reduce meat consumption could be to eat three meals each week of plant-based protein, starting on Sunday.
To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it is important to evaluate your goals and make adjustments as necessary regularly. Even if your goals seem smart, you might run into obstacles and fall back into old patterns. Murray suggests that you keep your eyes on your success and get back on the right track.
She says, “We encourage lifestyle modifications.” It’s more than just about making healthy lifestyle choices or exercising for a short time. But it is also about making long-term changes to reduce your cancer risk. These long-term changes can be made by setting SMART goals.
