Plan To Succeed!
To get what we want in life we need to have a plan. Goals are an
important part of making plans and being successful. If we want
to lose weight, we need to set goals and have a plan. If we want
to be fit, we need to set goals and have a plan. If we want to
have less stress, we need to set goals and have a plan. You've
heard that saying? "She that fails to plan plans to fail." So
how can you plan to succeed? You need to start by setting goals
following the S.M.A.R.T. formula.
Most people say things like, "I want to be thinner" or "I want
to get fit" or "I want to be healthier, happier, less stressed
etc." These are not goals you can plan to achieve. They are
wishes or desires. S.M.A.R.T goals are:
S = Specific M = Measurable A = Action Based R =
Realistic T = Time Bound
Be specific about what thinner, fitter, healthier or less
stressed means to you. Make your goal something you can measure.
Being thinner means losing how much weight or being fitter means
running how many kilometres? What does less stress involve for
you?
Make sure you will get into action about your goal by basing it
on a true desire. If you are not excited about your goal, find
ways to make it more fun. If you're trying to lose weight then
save all the money you usually spend on chocolate and put it
towards the reward of a holiday or new clothes.
Be realistic about your goal. Losing two or three kilos a week
may be difficult and unhealthy, so plan to aim to lose a half a
kilo or one kilo a week instead. If the goal is realistic you
will stick to it.
Lastly make your goal time bound by giving it an end date. This
gives your goal a sense of urgency and makes you get into action
about it. Keep this date realistic.
This week look at your goals and make them S.M.A.R.T. "I will
lose 20 kilos by January 28th 2006" "I will be able to run 5
kilometres in 15 minutes by February 16th 2006" Above all don't
fail to plan. Plan to succeed!