Gettin’ SMART

In July, I formed a women’s group — “5 or 50” Women’s Sustainable Weight Loss & Healthy Lifestyle Group. A time for us gals to come together — bond, share, encourage. To dispel negative thoughts of ourselves, of each other, and approach weight loss sustainably. Over the months, we’ve done just that.

At the year end meeting, I challenged the ladies to start looking forward to the new year. “Claim 2013 as your best year yet.” Though I don’t believe in new year’s resolutions, I do agree that the new year is a great time to hit the refresh button. So we spent our final meeting of 2012 by discussing SMART goals. Their homework over the holidays was to fill out a SMART goal and Action plan packet.

To kick off 2013 we created our SMART goals with the help of Clark College Health Professor, Erin Staples! Erin was my Wellness Coaching professor last fall and taught me what I know about SMART goals and coaching. Once I got the ladies started I thought It would be nice to have the guru step in.

Thanks again, Erin — we appreciate you for helping us get SMART.

More about SMART GOALS–

A SMART goal is:

**S is for SPECIFIC.** Decide what you are going to do and how 
to do it.
**M is for MEASURABLE.** Keep track of how you are doing.
**A is for ACHIEVABLE.** Pick something you think you can do. 
Start with small changes. Is running a 4-minute mile 
possible for you?
**R is for REALISTIC or (REWARD)**. Be realistic about the goals 
you set. Getting down to your high school weight after 
having 3 children may not be realistic. Set a goal that you 
can not only attain, but is in reason for you. You know 
yourself best.
**T is for TIME-SPECIFIC.** Give your goal a deadline.

SMART goals are to be written down in a certain way, it gives them even greater power.

“Goals not written down are just wishes.”