Deconstructing SMART Goal Setting

Let’s talk SMART goals!

SMART goals are goals that are: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time sensitive. 

For example, if you’re looking to lose weight, here are some questions to keep in mind when you are SMART goal setting.  

Goal: Lose weight

Specific:

How much weight do I want to lose? 

*I want to lose 15lbs 

Other things to think about:

*these are all separate goals connected to weight loss, they should be broken down into SMART goals too

Do I want to see the number on the scale change?

Do I want to see my body composition change (i.e. body fat percentage decrease)?

Do I want to build lean muscle?

Do I want to trim inches?

Measurable:

How will I measure my results?

*Scale, physical measurements, x inches off, how my clothes are fitting, how I’m feeling about myself, energy levels etc.

Attainable: 

Is it possible for me to lose this amount of weight safely?

Is losing this weight in my best interest for my health and longevity?

Is the method I am going to be using good for my long-term success and well-being?

 Realistic: 

Realistically, do I know how to accomplish losing 15lbs of body fat and maintaining my results long-term?

If this a healthy and feasible plan for me to accomplish this goal? 

Will I follow through?

Have I set unreasonable expectations? (i.e. too many major changes at one time which makes compliancy very difficult) 

 Time Sensitive:

When I am going to accomplish the 15lbs of weight loss?

Is this a realistic timeframe?

*Be realistic in your time frame. This is a very important component for goal achievement. Rushing the goal can lead to not being successful in the given timeframe. Too much time to accomplish the goal drops our level of urgency, and can sometimes lead to a lax approach.  Typically, when we don’t see results, we lose motivation and compliancy drops big time.