How to set SMART new years goals

Follow these easy steps to be SMART about your 2021 goals and make sure you stay on top of them:

1. Specific - Your goal should be clear and specific, otherwise you won't be able to focus your efforts or feel truly motivated to achieve it. Ensure the goal is simple, sensible and significant by asking yourself what do I want to accomplish and why is this goal important?

2. Measurable – It's important to have measurable goals, so that you can track your progress and stay motivated. Assessing progress helps you to stay focused, meet your deadlines, and feel the excitement of getting closer to achieving your goal. It needs to be meaningful and motivating, think about how much, how many and how will I know when the goal is accomplished?

3. Achievable – Your goals need to be something that with some effort you can accomplish it. It may test your abilities but still remain possible. For example, you may want to be able to lift a heavier weight in a certain exercise. All this requires is some strength training to accomplish this goal… totally attainable!

4. Realistic – Your goal needs to be realistic so that you remain motivated and allow yourself the success in achieving it. The goal is likely realistic if you believe it can be accomplished. Ask yourself if the goal is relevant, reasonable and results-based?

5. Time-bound - Every goal needs a target date, so that you have a deadline to focus on and something to work toward. To get an idea of a suitable time frame for you to achieve your goal think about when, what can I do today, what can I do 6 weeks from today, what can I do 6 months from today?

Now you’re prepared to be SMART about your 2021 goals!!!!

If you’re stuck on planning your 2021 goal, be sure to ask one of our friendly physiotherapists or exercise physiologists and they will be happy to assist!