Alright, Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is over. Now it is time to start thinking about the New Year and about what exactly you want for yourself in the year 2015. Once you decide what you want for yourself the next step is to make some goals.

By making goals, it will be easier to measure your progress and success. When people try and set their goals there are a few common mistakes they tend to make. Most people tend to shoot too high. For example, there are plenty of people that want to lose 30 pounds in the month of January alone but it is just no feasible. Or there are several people that tend to make their goals too vague. For example many people want to become more “toned”, but what does that really mean? Do you want to look more muscular? Thinner? Ripped? It is too unclear. Try following these guidelines, you will be able to make detailed goals that you will be able to follow.

Your goals need to be S.M.A.R.T.

• Specific: Make sure your goals are detailed enough to follow. If you want to lose weight, how MUCH weight do you want to lose? How much time do you want to lose it in?
• Measurable: Whether it be inches, pounds, or actions, make sure your goals have an element to it that can be measured.
• Attainable: Make sure your goals are in your reach. If you want to lose weight, make sure you your goal weight is one that you believe you can reach and you have the means necessary to achieve it.
• Relevant: Make sure the goals you are picking fit you and your lifestyle. Don’t choose a goal out of guilt or just because it is something someone else thinks you “should” do.
• Time-Specific: Make sure your goals include dates. Each goal should also have “benchmarks” or short-term deadlines to keep you on track.

Let’s look at some common goals and turn them into S.M.A.R.T. goals:

• I want to lose weight.
  • S.M.A.R.T. goal: I would like to lose 10 lbs by March and I will do this by attending small group training classes twice a week, religiously.
• I want to put on more muscle.
  • S.M.A.R.T. goal: I will put on 5 lbs of muscle by the beginning of summer and I will do this by following my resistance training routine and completing it three times per week.
• I want to fit in my old jeans.
  • S.M.A.R.T. goal: I will be able to fit in my old jeans by April and I will lose the weight by exercising 3-4 times per week and following my meal plan religiously.
    • Short-term goals:
      • I will log my food daily in myfitnesspal.
      • I will keep track of my exercise log daily.

After you have set and started to complete your goals, it is always important to revise them. Be sure to keep track and check on your progress weekly to make sure you are still heading in the right direction. Make sure that all your goals are still worthy of your time and effort and if you don’t feel they are anymore then revise them to better fit your desires. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

-Micah Owen