It’s a guest post! Michelle approached me earlier this month to write about SMART goals in honor of National Physical Fitness & Sports Month. Great idea, Michelle!! I’m a little late to the party since May is almost over, but, let’s go out with a bang, MAY!! Go get your goal on!!!

Designated as National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, May is the perfect time for us to take advantage of the great outdoors when striving to become healthier.  We can use this month to learn how to achieve balance in our nutrition and physical fitness levels. 

Michelle Pino has provided these tips in hopes to educate others on how to lead a more organized and less stressful life.  She believes a more organized approach to tasks will result in more completed goals. Michelle is thankful to have had the opportunity to work with Joy and together share their ideas on “­­­­­­­­­Joy in the Day”.

Getting SMART About Your Health Goals

Summer is fast approaching. What do you do if you want to get in shape for swimsuit season, but are stuck in a rut? How do you know if your health and fitness goals are even attainable? Try getting SMART, a goal-setting program that uses logical principles that help you zero in on what really matters to you. With May being National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, this is a great time to get started!

SMART is comprised of five principles that make up every successful goal:

Specific

Goals are more achievable when they are specific as opposed to general. For example, “I want to look better” is a vague statement. How do you want to look better? What do you have to do to meet that goal? A specific statement such as “I intend to lose ten pounds” gives you something to work with.

Under the SMART program, a specific goal answers five W questions: What do you want to accomplish? Why? Who is involved? Where will you go to accomplish your goal? Which requirements and constraints will you need to consider?

Measurable

The second term requires that a goal be measured. If you cannot keep track of your progress, then you cannot know whether your goal can be achieved. Measurable goals answer how much, how many, and indicate when they are accomplished. An example is training for a 5k. You would need to know how much time you have until the race, how many miles/hours/days to train, and whether your time score indicates you’re meeting the goal.

Attainable

To determine whether a goal is attainable, ask how it can be accomplished. If you find yourself taking extreme measures to meet your goal, that is an indication that it needs restructuring.

A goal has to be realistic. Seeking to lose twenty pounds in two weeks is not only dangerous, but also unattainable. Losing 2-3 pounds a week, however, is reasonable. The same applies to factors such as financial capabilities (whether you can afford the gym membership or exercise equipment), the amount of time you can allot to improving your health, and your general attitude towards your goals.

Relevant

Goals must be personally meaningful. While it may be noble to attempt a healthier lifestyle at the suggestion of a friend or family member, you also have to want to make the goal a reality. Other factors come into play, too. Engaging in a new exercise program may not be feasible when school or work requires you to put in extra time, or when you are undergoing significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, or relocation.

Time-Bound

The fifth term of a SMART goal deals with timeframes and target dates. Setting an endpoint to your efforts will motivate you to work diligently and consistently within the parameters to achieve your goal. It has been proven that people are more likely to meet their goals when they break them into increments. For instance, instead of focusing on the more daunting six month goal (lowering cholesterol intake), concentrate on what you can do this month (exercise 3 days a week), this week (eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily) and right now (forgo processed food).
Setting and achieving your health and wellness goals are entirely possible. Get SMART today.

May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, which makes for a great time to get out and get motivated!  Try creating your own inspiration board to help get on track.  Use images and quotes that inspire you to live a healthier, better life.

1.      Love this Nike quote: so simple but so true! Source: Women’s Gear

2.      I’m really inspired by yoga for a number of reasons.  Yoga focuses the mind and body, teaching ourselves to find a spiritual balance.  I also love that yoga can be done anywhere, even the beach! The beach is so relaxing, a great place for yoga or walking. (Source: Beach Yoga)

3.      As part of my initiative to spend more time doing activities outdoors, I’ve started to learn to golf at Atunyote, a New York golf club near my work.  What I like about it is that it’s a leisurely sport, nothing too strenuous.   Source: Turning Stone Resort

4.      The best way to start is by adding more fruits and veggies to your regular routine.  Try a tasty green smoothie as your mid-morning snack.  Smoothies are a big trend right now.  They may look funky, but they taste great and can be adjusted to your liking! Source: Flickr

5.      An easy way to feel motivated is to buy some bright-colored workout gear.  If you feel good wearing it, you’ll be more excited to wear it when you exercise.  Source: Nike

Tell me about your goals!! Remember….we’re more accountable when we SHARE them with others!

And thank you Michelle!!