This is the time of the year when we create goals. Some workplaces ask their employees to create SMART goals. SMART goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based. We can use SMART goals in our personal lives to help us prepare a plan for living a healthy lifestyle.

Perhaps your goal for 2021 is to lose weight, exercise, eat healthy, stress less, or get more sleep. For weight loss, you should determine how many pounds you want to lose. Chose a number that is attainable. Once you determine how many pounds you want to lose, create a plan on how you will achieve that goal. If you want to exercise decide how you will achieve that goal. Will you exercise five days a week for 40 minutes? Will you combine cardio and strength training? If your goal is to eat healthy, what will that look like for you? Do you want to consume more fruits and vegetables? If you want to stress less, what activities will you incorporate in your life to reduce stress? If your goal is to get more sleep, what actions would you take to increase sleep? How many hours of sleep do you want to average?

Creating goals is the “what.” You need to create a plan to determine the “how.” How will you accomplish your goals? The first step is to develop a plan that will work for you. Consider your likes and dislikes. Create a plan that is reasonable and one you can commit to. If you make your plan difficult and unrealistic it will frustrate you. Write your plan down. Frequently read it so you can determine if you are on course. Separate your plan into daily, weekly, or monthly goals. Once you start implementing your plan, feel free to adjust it. You do not have to rush. Take your time to reach your goals. Changing your life is rarely a quick process.