smart goals

Goal Setting, 2022 and You!!

It’s that time of year, we are all thinking about it. The new year brings a time of reflection on the year that has passed as well as optimism and planning for the year ahead. When it comes to your health and wellness goals it is important to remember to be smart about it!! No, really . . .  SMART!! 

Let me Explain . . . S.M.A.R.T is a pneumonic that represents one of the most well known goal setting techniques. As far back as the late 19th century, American philosopher Elbert Hubbard came to the realization that many people failed not because they lacked intelligence or courage, but because they did not organize their efforts around a goal.

In 1981, a paper by George T. Doran, a consultant and director of Corporate Planning for the Washington Water Power Company published a paper titled “There’s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management’s Goals and Objectives”. This acronym expanded upon Hubbard’s realization and gave us a tangible framework to organize our efforts and our energy towards the desired outcomes. 

The acronym contains 5 criteria for effective goal writing:

S - Specific: Target a specific area for improvement, chasing too many rabbits can cause you to spread yourself thin with little to show for it. Be able to state exactly what it is that you want to achieve.

M - Measurable: Quantify it, have an indicator of progress. Looking to lose weight? How much weight? Put a number on it, you need to be able to see how you are doing and what modifications you need to make in order to accomplish what you set out to achieve. 

A - Assignable: Specifically who will do it. Usually yourself when it comes to health and wellness goals but maybe you and your partner/spouse are looking to work towards improving fitness together. Take ownership of your intention.

R - Realistic: Can you actually achieve this goal? Do you have the available resources? Are you willing to make time for it? Start small, if you haven’t run in years maybe consider a 5k before you take on the Boston Marathon.

T - Time Bound: Specify when you will achieve your desired outcome. Set a date and hold yourself to it!!

With that you have everything you need to achieve your goals in the new year. Remember, it is not a lack of intelligence or a lack of courage that is preventing you from achieving your goals, it is the lack of an organized approach to success. You now have everything you need to achieve your health and wellness goals!!

Remember that if you run into any difficulty or maybe you are just looking for a little extra guidance we are here for you at The Method Performance and Physical Therapy. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy experts in human movement and can help you get where you need to be. Best of luck, we know you can do it!!

In good health,

Jaxie and Evan