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Setting Behavior Goals – SMART Skills

There is a common misconception that making improvements to our lifestyle is as easy as pressing a button and flipping a switch.  Once that button is pressed, we don’t need to do anything else, and our goals are met.  Right? 

Many of us have tried to set New Year’s Resolutions or started a new diet or exercise regimen.  Often, we fall off the wagon and we’re left with seeing our goals fade into the background.

When we set these goals, we usually have the information or the “what,” and the motivation or the “why” for our goals. 

Let’s use fitness for example: 

  • The “what” for fitness is as follows—We know that we should exercise 30 minutes a day, walk 10,000 steps, perform resistance training, and elevate our heart rate to condition our cardiovascular system.  
  • What is the “why” for fitness?  We want to live longer and healthier, be able to do all the things we love without limitations and feel confident about how we look.

So, what’s the issue?  Is having the “what” and “why” enough for behavior change?

The big thing that most people miss when setting goals is the “how”.  We need to create a plan to know exactly what we need to do and stick to it.

Behavior Change Model

How are we going to make sure we are going to start and stick with our goal? By using a SMART action plan! Here’s what SMART stands for:

  • S – Set a goal (it should be a specific action that you’re 100% confident you can do)
  • M – Monitor your progress towards that goal
  • A – Arrange your world for success (how can you set up your environment to make this goal easier to reach?)
  • R – Recruit support (who can help you and keep you accountable?)
  • T – Treat yourself every time you reach your goal (a goal that is rewarded is repeated). A simple pat on the back is a great treat!

Use the attached SMART action plan worksheet to help identify “how” you are going to meet your goal.

SMART Action Plan Worksheet
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Want help setting a goal? Live Well Be Well is proud to offer a program called Small Changes, BIG GAINS!  This month-long program aims to teach you the “what”, “why” and “how” and provide skills and resources to change your behavior for the long run!  Our staff will teach you how to set small goals, which will improve your health tremendously.

Registration is open until August 5, (Register Here).  We hope you take the initiative to make your health a priority!

If you are not able to join this program, use the SMART Action Plan Worksheet to get you started on your wellness goal!

Picturesque morning in Plitvice National Park. Colorful spring scene of green forest with pure water lake. Great countryside view of Croatia, Europe. Beauty of nature concept background.