We have wants, needs, and desires in which we can’t stop thinking about. The crossroads becomes, wishing and action. Think about it, how many times in your life have you wished for something and the wish hasn’t came true? Then ask yourself WHY hasn’t your wish came true? Most likely it’s because there never was an action plan. Action plans are made simple by setting goals called, SMART goals. Once, a plan is created anything can truly become yours.
Credit is due to George T. Doran in 1981. He was a consultant and Director of Corporate Planning for Washington Water Power Company. SMART goals were originally created to help organizations strive but overtime it has become goal setting for truly any area of our lives.
Breakdown of SMART Goals: (NASM Sixth Edition)
- Specific- What area of your life, what are you striving for, clearly defined
- Measurable- How can you track your progress
- Attainable- Challenging enough but not over challenging
- Realistic- What/where is the finish line
- Timely- When will you accomplish your goal
Bad Examples: Sounds like a wish.
- Run a 5k this year.
- Lose weight.
- Get a better position in my firm.
Good Examples: Details create an idea how to reach goal.
- Run a 5k in 2 months on April 1st. Finish with a time of 28 minutes. While doing so I will do 2 days of endurance resistance training and 3 days of running.
- Lose 4 lbs this month by counting my macronutrients and working out 4 days a week.
- Get the promotion in my firm by spring time. I will do so by earning a certificate in x and creating x many presentations a week.
Great Example: Exact way to reach your goal from mental down to physical form.
I want to lose 12 lbs in 3 months. My plan is to sleep better, manage stress, choose an active lifestyle, and train smarter. I will do so by,
- I will go from 200 to 188.
- Each week I will lose 1 lb.
- Get more sleep with 7-8 hours.
- Do 2 enjoyable activities while prioritizing self care x3 during the week.
- Read and listen to podcasts for leisure.
- Walk 4 days a week. At x time.
- Tracking my meals, having 3 solid meals a day while on a caloric deficit.
- Strength train 4 days- Mon-Tue, Thur-Fri. Follow x training for progressing to new phases every 4 weeks.
Not having an action plan is like saying…
- You’re driving from NJ to CA without directions..
- It’s date night but you and your partner never decided where to go..
- Going grocery shopping without a list..
- Christmas shopping for 10 others in your family without a list..
As you can see with the examples, you truly can spot the difference. By following good criteria of SMART goals, you know exactly how you will reach your goal. The main difference is having a detailed plan that serves as a road map. With SMART goals/your action plan, you become detail oriented creating purpose and motivation for each day, week, and month, thus leading you to your destination.
Not matter what area of your life, begin planning the SMART way. Quit wishing for the life you want and get after the life you deserve. Anything can truly become yours if you believe, love the process, and remain persistent.
In Health,
Coach Izz
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References
Haughey, D. (2014, December 13). A brief history of smart goals. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://www.projectsmart.co.uk/brief-history-of-smart-goals.php
Sutton, B. G. (2021). NASM essentials of personal fitness training. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
