As 2017 is coming to a close, there is that anticipation of New Year’s resolutions and setting goals for 2018. I’ve never been a big “resolution” person, but I do like looking ahead towards the New Year with setting some new goals.
I discovered that there are actually golden rules for goal setting! I found a great article on MindTools that helped me put together a summary of the 5 Golden Rules:
- Set goals that motivate you.
- they must be important to you and have value if you achieve them.
- you must have an “I must do this” attitude and a sense of urgency to succeed.
- Set SMART goals.
- Specific – must be clear and well defined.
- Measurable – “you can not manage or improve something until you measure it” Darren Hardy
- Attainable – it must be possible to achieve.
- Relevant – your goals should align with your direction in life.
- Time Bound – your goals must have a deadline.
- Set your goals in writing.
- the physical act of writing down your goals makes them tangible and real.
- use “will” instead of “would like to”.
- frame your goal statement in a positive tone.
- Make an action plan.
- write down the steps you will take in order to reach your goal.
- cross off the steps as they have been completed.
- Stick With It!
- goal setting is an ongoing activity.
- build in reminders to keep you on track.
- post your goals where you can see them as reminders.
From a health coach perspective, I tell my clients to focus on the activities you CAN CONTROL and do THOSE….your results will follow.
Stretch yourself…set a new goal and picture yourself achieving it….you CAN make it happen!
Here’s to a healthy, happy 2018 and beyond….LIVE BETTER!