3 Easy Steps For Creating Smart Health Goals

It’s time to take stock of where you want to go in 2017, and set yourself some smart health goals! Here are 3 helpful tips.

Creating your health goals (or “resolutions) for the year may seem like a simple thing to accomplish, but the truth is it can be difficult if you don’t approach it the right way.

There are actually three easy steps to help you create smart health goals that will keep you on track to achieving your most important objectives this year. These are especially helpful if you find yourself getting off track or abandoning your goals after a few weeks or few months (as so many of us do).

Here are those three steps and how you can implement them to create your smart health goals.

1.) Use Positive Words

It may sound a little funny, but using positive words is one of the first steps you need to take to create smart and achievable health goals. You should use words that tell your brain you will achieve what you set out to, and that you don’t have to have immediate results.

For example, use the words like “will” or “develop” or “when.” These three words can be so powerful in your health goals because they tell you that you are going to do something without fail. They are telling you that it is okay to evolve and change while working towards your health goals. You are also saying that when you do this you will move to another step or reward. All of these are positive points that can help keep you motivated.

2.) Remove Negative Wording

Once you have your goals written down, you should go back and review them to remove any negative wording you may have missed. For example, you want to remove words like “may” or “might” and especially “can’t.” Don’t restrict yourself to things you can’t have or won’t have.

Instead, focus on positive attributes and goals only. The words “may” and “might” actually suggest that there is failure expected and give you an “out” that leads you away from your goals. Remove these words and reword them to turn them into positive goals.

3. Set Rewards for Both Small and Large Accomplishments

Make sure you are setting rewards for yourself as you move towards achieving your goals. This isn’t a problem for most people, but beware of the trap of setting only long-term rewards and neglecting the short-term. Make sure you are rewarding yourself for both levels of goal achievement and give yourself a pat on the back. The rewards should also be positive and not hindering to your health goals. For example, don’t reward yourself with food if you are trying to lose weight. Instead reward yourself with new workout equipment or a spa day.

There are lots more things you can do to help yourself stick to your New Year’s Resolutions and health goals,  but these will get you started off on the right track towards achieving whatever you set out to accomplish for yourself this year!