S.M.A.R.T. Goals in 2009!

So, it's that time of year again. Did you set a goal to lose weight? gain weight? run a 10k? Become more organized? Stop smoking? Stop drinking?

Whatever your goal is... you will find it more easily attained if you stick to these guidelines.
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time frame

So make your goal SPECIFIC, get active for 30 minutes a day (go for a walk, go to the gym, do a class, go for a hike, snowshoe), eat a salad once a day, eat fruit for breakfast.

Make your goal something that is MEASURABLE, so you can track your progress towards the goal. If your goal is to lose weight, how are you going to do that? (60 minutes of activity every other day? eating salad with dinner 5 nights a week? choosing fruit for dessert instead of sugary snacks).

ATTAINABLE and REALISTIC goals are important. If you have no chance of reaching your goals, how successful will you feel? Set goals that you actually have a chance of meeting. Think about your time and how much of it you have free and where you are going to fit in the activities that you need to in order to achieve your goal.

TIME frame - break down your bigger goals into smaller, shorter time periods and celebrate the little successes! It will help to keep you on track to your goal.

To good health & fitness in 2009,
Amanda