Holiday Survival Tip #30

Healthy Holidays Tip #30: 3 Secrets to Setting Successful Goals 

As the year wraps up, it’s time for reflection. What did I accomplish in 2011? What are my plans for 2012? This year was the first year that I set goals and actively pursued them, and it proved to be a very successful year.  Read on as the experts at Sharecare illustrate the importance of setting goals for a healthier lifestyle.

1. Set reasonal goals
“Goals help us to organize our thoughts, hopes, dreams and expectations,” says Dr. Erik Fisher. “So many people have great ideas, but when they are not clear on their goals, the best of intentions can helplessly fall to the ground.” Don’t set goals that are too high or too low because that can lead to a very unproductive life.

2. Remind yourself—often
The first step in setting a goal is finding the right inspiration. Sharecare Elite Trainer Joel Harper says the best way to find inspiration is by sitting quietly for ten minutes every Sunday and creating five goals for the following week. Once you come up with these goals, write them down on a post-it and stick it on the bathroom mirror. Read your goals aloud to yourself, repeating each goal five times, every time you’re in the bathroom.   

3. Goals for a Healthy Life
According to the Cleveland Clinic, incremental health goals work best. If your overall goal is to start using the treadmill, for example, start with 10 minutes and slowly work up to the duration you desire. NASM Elite Trainer Joan Roth says setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely, or S.M.A.R.T., will lead to achievement.

File under: Healthy Holidays