New Year, New Habits: How SMART Goals Can Change Your Life

How many resolutions have you made throughout the years, or even just this month? 🤔 We set goals all the time, but the challenge is turning those goals into lasting habits.

The research suggests that the SMART method is one effective way to achieve goals:
Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timed.

Let me show you how to turn the common New Year’s resolution – going to the gym more – into a SMART goal:

Specific (S) 📝

👉 I will go to the gym near my house.
In this model, the more specific you can be, the higher the likelihood of success.

Measurable (M) 📊

👉 I will go Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:30 am.
This is a clear and measurable step.

Achievable (A) ✅

👉 Three days a week is more doable than jumping in and working out daily, given my past “all or nothing” behaviors.
Setting attainable goals prevents burnout and discouragement… again.

Realistic (R) 🌟

👉 Incorporating rest days is more realistic because taking on too much at the beginning can lead to setbacks and injuries.

Timed (T) ⏰

👉 I will re-evaluate my progress in 30 days and adjust accordingly.
Having a time frame allows you to reflect, reset, and redefine your goals.

Bringing It All Together 🧩

Now, let’s see what we have:

"I will go to the gym near my house on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6:30 am. On January 30, I will evaluate my progress and change accordingly."

What I love about this method is that it encourages us to take time out for ourselves, reflect on our needs and expectations, and build a plan that suits our lifestyle. 💕

There’s room in this method for life’s inevitable ups and downs and the recognition that we are capable of change.

Goal setting is about self-discovery AND achieving the goal itself.

Need Help Crafting Your Goals? 🧠💡

If you’d like some help identifying and crafting your own SMART goals, there are many strategies our therapists can guide you through.

Call Ash and she can help you find someone that works for you. 🙌