SMART Goals 2025
New Year, New You: Achieving Your Health Goals with SMART Resolutions
As the New Year dawns, many of us are filled with renewed hope and the desire to make positive changes in our lives. Whether it's eating healthier, exercising more, or reducing stress, setting resolutions is a time-honored tradition. However, by the time February rolls around, many of these resolutions have fallen by the wayside. This year, let's do something different. Let's make SMART resolutions that stick.
Applying SMART Goals
What Are SMART Goals?
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Your goal should be clear and specific, so you know exactly what you're working towards. Instead of saying, "I want to get healthier," specify what that means for you. For example, "I want to exercise three times a week" or "I want to reduce my sugar intake."
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A measurable goal helps you track your progress and stay motivated. If your goal is to exercise more, decide how you will measure that. Will it be by the number of workouts per week or the minutes spent exercising each day? This way, you can see your progress and adjust as needed.
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It's important to set goals that are realistic given your current situation. If you're new to exercise, aiming to run a marathon in three months might not be achievable. Instead, start with a goal that challenges you but is still within reach, such as jogging for 15 minutes a day.
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Your goals should align with your broader health objectives and personal values. Ask yourself why this goal is important to you and how it fits into your life. If reducing stress is your aim, consider activities that you enjoy and can easily incorporate into your daily routine, like yoga or meditation.
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Every goal needs a deadline to create a sense of urgency and prompt action. Instead of an open-ended goal like "I want to lose weight," set a specific timeframe, such as "I want to lose 5 pounds in three months." This helps you stay focused and motivated.
At Living Well, we believe in a holistic approach to wellness. By setting SMART goals, you can take a more structured and effective path to improving your health. Whether you're working with our chiropractors, physical therapists, or both, setting SMART goals can enhance your journey.
Example of a SMART Goal to Improve Mental Health
Specific: "I will practice mindfulness meditation for 10 minutes each day."
Measurable: Use a meditation app to track daily sessions.
Achievable: Start with 5 minutes and build up to 10.
Relevant: Aids in reducing stress and improving mental clarity.
Time-bound: Maintain this practice for six weeks.
This New Year, let's move beyond vague resolutions and embrace the power of SMART goals. By making your health goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, you increase your chances of success. At Living Well, we're here to support you every step of the way. Here's to a healthier, happier you in the New Year!
Lauren Angello, DC
Dr. Lauren Angello earned her Doctorate of Chiropractic and a Masters of Science in Functional Nutrition from Parker University in Dallas, TX, graduating within the top ten of her class. She pursued her undergraduate studies in Cellular & Molecular Biology through the Honors College Program at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. Dr. Lauren is passionate about integrating chiropractic care with other healthcare disciplines to help her patients attain their health objectives. LEARN MORE→