Setting goals are important, but even better is setting S.M.A.R.T Goals – Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Realistic, Time based Goals.

If you are looking for advice or inspiration with your goals or to get a different perspective on things, it’s a great idea to research others professional opinions and integrate them into your own lifestyle.

In life, you set goals all the time. You endeavor to be healthier, make better food choices, exercise more, drink less alcohol, get more sleep … I’m sure you can hear your own thoughts agreeing, “that sounds like me”.

Essentially, you want to be the best version of yourself and to reach your full potential at all times. As you know this all too well, it doesn’t happen overnight. It takes your willpower and practice, practice, practice.

Lets split this into 2 important factors;
Setting realistic goals and designing a detailed, manageable plan to attain them.

Tip: Track progress in a journal. Not only can it help keep you on track, but it can also be used to express any thoughts, feelings, and concerns you may have while striving to reach your goals.

Step 1: Choose your goals wisely
Setting a goal that is meaningful to you will increase your motivation to achieve it, and if you’re not going to enjoy the planning and have fun and be happy, then what is the point?

Ask yourself questions. What changes do I want to implement to improve my physical and mental health? Do I have any unhealthy habits I want to change? How could I improve upon the relationships in my life?

It’s important to create a goal that allows you to measure progress.

Think of how you can track any progress made, as well as the end result. How will you know when you’ve reached your goal? What will it look like?

Also remember to keep it realistic and not too challenging, you want to be able to reach your goal without too much pressure or unnecessary stress.

Don’t forget to make them meaningful, measureable and as specific as possible.

Step 2: Make it POSITIVE
It can be easy to make quick, impulsive goals adding a negative twist (such as ‘I want more money’ or ‘I need to lose weight’) instead of framing your goals with more positivity (such as ‘I will become better at saving’ or ‘I will eat more vegetables and will exercise 3 – 5 times a week) Think of what you would like to gain instead of lose. For example instead of eating less junk food, commit to cooking healthier meals at home.

Step 3: Write it down
Writing down goals is a great tool for holding you accountable and helping you stay committed.
Let it serve as a daily reminder to help keep you motivated. Write them down in your personal diary or journal or even better put them up somewhere easily accessible so you are inspired each day to reach for your goals.

4. Create a Detailed Action Plan
A successful action plan consists of breaking down goals into small, manageable, specific steps. You can even set benchmarks, rewarding yourself once they are met. There is no perfect action plan, and more often than not, a little tweaking is necessary. Ask yourself, what is my timeline for reaching my goal? Is it realistic?

Our lovely therapists and nutritionists are here to help you create a personalised treatment plan so you can achieve and maintain your body goals. Book in for a consultation and create your catalyst for change.

5. Reward Yourself
A powerful tool to keep you motivated is to have a reward in mind to keep you focused. So not to have any setbacks, remind yourself why the goal is worth accomplishing. Setting and achieving goals isn’t always easy, so be realistic with yourself.

One great example is to detox once a month for 5 days;
1. Specific – it will help my digestive system.
2. Measureable – 5 days, it will help me feel better mentally and physically.
3. Achievable – You will feel fabulous for it (and will probably save you a lot of $$)
4. Realistic – Yes, it’s only 5 days a month.
5. Time based – 5 days, 120 hours, of which 40 I am sleeping.

Setting goals can sometimes lead to other amazing things in your life, so it’s about empowering yourself to focus your intentions, giving you a greater sense of purpose and improving your self-esteem.

If you have some body goals that you would like help achieving and maintaining book a consultation at your nearest Body Catalyst clinic. Our expert therapists and nutiritionists will create a treatment plan that is tailored specifically to you and your body goals.