How to Set SMART Goals
In the last article, we discussed how to set achievable fitness goals for 2024. In this article, we will discuss setting SMART goals to increase your chances of success.
Smart goals are those that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound. Setting SMART goals can help set you up for success in 2024. Let’s define SMART goals, plus discuss how to set SMART goals in 2024.
Specific
Clearly define your goal. Be specific about what you want to achieve and why it is important to you. For example, rather than saying I want to exercise more, you could say I want to exercise for at least 30 minutes, three times a week, to improve my overall fitness and health.
When you have set a specific target, it will be a lot harder to avoid completing your goal than if it’s just a vague concept.
Measurable
Identify concrete criteria to measure your progress and determine when you have achieved your goal. This helps you to stay on track and motivates you as you see yourself making progress. In the above example, the goal is measurable as it specifies a duration (30 minutes), frequency (three times a week), and the desired outcome (improved fitness and health).
Achievable
Set goals that are realistic and attainable. Consider your abilities, resources, and constraints when setting your goals. It is important to challenge yourself, but ensure you have the necessary means to achieve your goals. For instance, if you have never exercised before, setting a goal to run a marathon in a month may not be achievable, but starting with smaller goals like jogging for 10 minutes a day can be more realistic and achievable.
While many of us think that large, lofty goals will motivate us, research actually suggests the opposite. Goal setting expert Jon Acuff found when he asked people to cut their goals in half and make them more achievable, people were more likely to achieve more than if they stuck with the lofty goals. People who set lofty goals were more likely to give up on their goals entirely.
Relevant
Ensure that your goal is relevant to your overall objectives and aligns with your values. Make sure it is something that you genuinely want to achieve. Setting goals that are meaningful to you increases motivation and commitment. Evaluate how your goal fits into your long-term plans and if it is relevant to your personal or professional life.
Your goal should be something you value. Make sure you are not setting a goal just to please your parents, friends or society. Your goal should be meaningful to you.
Time-bound
Finally, your goal should be time-bone. Set a specific timeframe for achieving your goal. This adds a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused and motivated. Having a deadline also enables you to break down your goal into smaller milestones. For example, you could set a time frame of three months to achieve your exercise goal and then track your progress weekly or monthly.
While you may have a long term goal (six months or longer) you may also want to set mini goals that help you get to your long term goal. Setting both medium term (thirty days to three months) and short term (weekly or biweekly) goals can help you create some targets that help you achieve your ultimate goal. Short term goals can help you adopt an attitude of Kaizen, or making tiny progress every day.
Final Thoughts
Remember, the SMART framework helps you set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, increasing your chances of success.
Setting SMART goals can help you create some structure around your goals, which can ultimately help you achieve your goal. Apply the SMART framework to your fitness goals and watch your results skyrocket.
