Having clear, short-term goals is like having a road map, and that can be an important part of success when developing an exercise routine. Whether you work with a health coach or prepare for a healthy change on your own, the SMART-goal model can help you think through and evaluate your plans.
What are SMART goals?
SMART is a method of goal setting that focuses on short-term, practical tasks to set you up for success. Breaking down large goals into smaller incremental goals is important for long term achievement and sustainable behaviour change. SMART stands for:
Specific. A goal needs to be well-defined and clearly worded in a positive statement. It should be narrow enough in scope to use as a guide.
Measurable. Your goal should be measurable so that you have a way to track your progress and identify when success is attained.
Action-orientated. You are more likely to achieve your goal if it includes steps you will take. That’s why the “A” can also stand for achievable or attainable.
Realistic. Goals motivate us to grow and challenge ourselves, but they need to be realistic—and relevant. If your initial goal is realistic and relevant, it can help you move forward with more confidence achieving other goals. If you want to begin eating healthily, start by introducing healthy foods slowly into your diet each day, rather than going on a crash diet.
Time-bound. You’re more likely to reach a goal if it has a timeline in which to accomplish the goal. Creating a timetable makes it easier to measure your progress because it gives you a clear target and helps you to stay focused.
While SMART goals are very specific by design, try to focus on their intent, and bear in mind that the actual goals might need to be modified along the way.
How to apply SMART goals
You can use the SMART goal-setting method as a tool for achieving almost any health or wellness goal.
Your goals will ideally build on your past successes and experiences. Think about what has and hasn’t worked in the past and what might need to be different this time. For example, if running for 30 minutes a day, every day of the week is not sustainable for you, a new SMART goal could involve going for a 20-minute walk or run four times a week.
Here are a few examples of how SMART goals can work for someone who wants to develop an exercise routine:
It’s vital to write down your goals, action steps, measurements, and time frame. You may find it helpful to keep a copy of the week’s goal with you or in a convenient place where you can refer to it easily.
Focus on being consistent and patient as you wait for results. Review your goals frequently to make sure they still match your bigger plan and modify them as necessary.
If your goal didn’t work out as planned, that’s OK. You can create new goals that better match your circumstances or implement a strategy to make the goal work better. If you exceed your goal or do better than expected, you can enjoy celebrating your additional success. Reward yourself for any goal you achieve, regardless of how small or large it is!