Set SMART goals for the new year

With a new year arriving, many people will strive to lose weight, eat healthier, start a fitness program or even stop smoking. All of these are great goals, but without a specific action plan, you may find yourself dropping out of the program by February or sooner. To make sure you reach those goals this year, take a SMART approach. In general terms, the SMART acronym means

Be Specific. It's not enough to say that you want to eat healthier. Start with a specific goal like I am going to drink 6 bottles of water daily or I will eat 6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day for the next 6 weeks.
Make it Measurable. If you aren't tracking the numbers in your specific goal by counting something each day or week, you'll most likely fail.
Ready, set, Action! - How can you drink more water? Bring a water bottle to work with you. How can you eat more fruits and vegetables? Make specific times that you are going to eat them. I advocate a 4-3-2-1 model for fruits and veggies. Four servings in the morning (like in the TBC Frittata in this newsletter) Setting up an action plan will help you get through those days when you don't feel like making changes.
Ready with resources.If you're not sure how to accomplish something, google is great but you have a resource and friend right here. Just send me a question and I'll find the answer. I have over 35 years experience in the health world and have seen many people find success with simple changes. Ask now!
Timelines matter. Remember that if you don't have a "call to action" in marketing with a specific request or deadline, the chances are the ad will fail. Make a few stopping points like 6 weeks or 3 months--it's very difficult to make big changes with a long timeline. Be realistic and target timelines that can work.

Andrea Metcalf is a certified personal trainer and in 2008 was named runner up Trainer of the Year for her accomplishments in the weight loss, media and consumer interaction. If you're looking to lose weight or start on a healthier track, workout with Andrea. Personal training session with a copy of her best-selling book is now only $49 through January 2019.