Get S.M.A.R.T. for fitness success! PT 2

Yesterday I revealed the first two components of the S.M.A.R.T. model of goal achievement. Today I reveal the remaining 3. Read on!

A is for Attainable

When you set a goal that you have a burning desire to achieve you'll discover you're willing to go that extra mile, make that little sacrifice, and notice opportunities you might not have noticed before. You're committed to the goal, and are motived by the outcome once you achieve it. What does this have to do we making attainable goals? EVERYTHING. Consider this, if you set goals that are difficult to achieve, and you some what know that it's a long stretch for you to accomplish, 9 times out of 10 you won't do it. When setting SMART goals you should make a conscious effort to set goals that are a little bit of a stretch for you, but not out of reach.

For instance, losing 15 pounds in one week just isn't possible right. This isn't an attainable goal you might really want to achieve it, but the fact is no one can lose 15 pounds (in a healthy way) during one week. Now in contrast you could lose 1 pound per week for 15 weeks. This would be an attainable goal that will keep you motivated because you want the outcome of losing the weight, and feeling better about your health and appearance.

The point, challenge yourself enough so you're driven to achieve the goal. How ever don't set yourself up for failure by setting a goal that you subconsciously know is out of reach.

R is for Realistic

Now I know we just talked about setting attainable goals, and making a goal realistic, they somewhat goes hand in hand. Don't confuse setting realistic goals with “easy” goals. We're not suggesting you shouldn't challenge yourself. What you should pay attention to is, based on your current situation is this goal realistic. Let's look at an example.

Saving $100 per week is an attainable goal based on average income etc. How ever if you have student loans, credit card debt, a big car payment and struggling to make ends meet week to week it's not realistic for you. Where would you find another $100 per week out of your cash flow for savings. A more realistic goal might be to pay $100 a week on your highest interest credit card for 15 weeks until it's paid off.

Goals need to be do able for you in your current situation. You need to write out a plan that makes each goal realistic in your terms, detailing each step you need to do to accomplish it.