Goals

Did you know that 92% of the people who make a New Year's resolution end up in failure?  That's less than 1 out of every 10 people.  OUCH!  With stastics like that, why should we make a goal???

To begin qwith, let's look at why they failed........  It's simple...in their excitement, they bite off more than they can chew.  And without directions, they simply give up.  We've all been know to do that.

Next, they gave themselves an easy way out.  It was all or nothing.  Improvements to ourselves/lives don't have to be an all or nothing.  Even small changes count.

So...how do we become part of the 8% who succeed???

Goals provide you with direction and lead you to success. But, to be effective and achievable, goals should be smart.

Goal setting is a process that starts with careful consideration of what you want to achieve and ends with a lot of hard work. Use the SMART process as an effective way to set and meet your goals.

Specific: A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. To set a specific goal, answer the five "W" questions:
         Who: Who is involved?
         What: What do I want to accomplish?
         Where: Where will I accomplish the goal?
         When: When will I work on my goal and what is a realistic time frame for reaching my goal?
         Why: What are the reasons, purpose or benefits of accomplishing the goal?

Measurable: Choose goals that have results you can measure. When you measure your progress, you stay on track, reach your target dates and experience the exhilaration of achievement.

Achievable: Think about what you can honestly achieve. Goal setting is a good way to push yourself beyond your current limits. So pick a goal that requires some effort, but choose a goal that is within reach.

Rewarding: It feels great to reach a goal, but find extra ways to reward yourself along the way. Plan rewards ahead of time so you have something to look forward to.

Timely/Trackable/Tangible: A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there's no sense of urgency. Keeping track of your progress will help you stay motivated. A goal is tangible when you can experience it with one of your senses; taste, touch, smell, sight or hearing.

Remember, goal setting is an ongoing activity not just a means to an end.

Source: heathline.com

My goals this year are simple...to continue with a healthy pregnancy and then get back into shape as quickly as is safely possible after Froggy's birth!  With the tool I have been given I honestly have faith that I can do it!

You can do it - I have LOTS of faith in you!

Great post!  :)

I stopped making resolutions back in 2007 as I never continued with them. So now for 2009 I have said I will just "TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME".  

Like you I stopped making resolutions.  I never followed through with them and always felt like a failure.  But, since my surgery, I resolve daily to  do the best that I can and to be the best that I can. 

I dig this post! I've got goals and this will certainly help my processing them from my brain to paper to reality. :P

I KNOW you can accomplish anything you have set your mind to.  I KNOW it!

My first weight loss goal for 2009 is to be at 222 by 2/2.  That will be a total 30 pound loss for me.  At 227 now, I should be able to make that goal  I will eat healthily, I will drink water, I will walk the treadmill 30 minutes 5 days a week, I will work out at the fitness center 3 days a week.  My reward will be a manicure.

Thanks, Jill!

Good for YOU!  You Rawk!