What is goal setting, and why is it important to you?
Our goals are the things that we want to achieve. Setting goals can help you be specific about what you want to achieve. Goal setting can also allow you to identify what you may need to stop, start or do differently, which can help you to achieve your goals.
SMART goals
A good way to make your goals achievable and realistic is to make them SMART. To make a goal SMART, it must be:
- Specific – Make your goal as specific as possible.
- Measurable – Identify a way to measure progress whilst working towards your goal.
- Achievable – Your goal should be just out of reach but not out of sight.
- Relevant – Think about your values.
- Time-bound – Set a time by which you would like to achieve your goal.
Short, medium, and long-term goals
Try to set goals that fit your current lifestyle, as this can give you the best chance of success. You may have noticed that your weight has crept up, and your eating and activity levels are different from what they used to be. It might help to think about how and why your routines are now different from the past and what would help you now to achieve healthy changes.
Not sure where to start?
Think about what is important to you and what you want. If you want to become more active, think about where and when could you do this and who could support you. Could you fit a walk into your lunch break or an activity you enjoy at the weekend?
Think about how goal setting can help you deal with your challenges. Setting a goal could help you to adjust your eating habits or get better sleep. Small changes over time can help you gain more energy, more confidence, and feel more ‘you’.
Once you’ve made your long-term goal SMART, identify some short-term goals, which are smaller, easier steps. Short-term goals will help you to achieve your long-term goal. For example, if your long-term SMART goal is to eat more home-cooked meals, your short-term goals might be to cook at home twice a week or buy fewer prepared/convenience foods when shopping.
Setbacks and celebrations
When setting your goals, it’s important to think about the challenges and barriers that might get in your way. This can help you to think of ways to overcome them.
Don’t forget to celebrate your successes! By making your goals measurable, you’ll know when you’ve reached a short or long-term goal.
Now is a great time to establish some new, healthy routines. Setting achievable goals can help you stay focused and motivated.
Continue your journey
Click on the next page Getting the support you need to continue your journey.
