Work Smarter Not Harder, Setting SMART Goals

Longevity Exercise Physiology Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Marrickville, Bella Vista, Randwick, Lindfield and Balmain discuss goal setting and why the right kind of goal setting is crucial to success.

A lot of us go in with best intentions when we set a new goal. Whether it be weight loss, completing a marathon, or even just being able to walk up to the local shops, we never set these goals with the belief that we will fail. However, setting a goal as ambiguous as the ones listed above, you have already significantly decreased your likelihood to succeed!

Setting a SMART goal allows you to focus your efforts and increase your chances of achieving your goal. Setting goals that are outcome and progress driven and follow the SMART goal acronym is the best way to increase your likelihood to succeed

A SMART goal is used to help guide goal setting. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely.  Setting a SMART goal allows you to focus your efforts and increase your chances of achieving your goal. Setting goals that are outcome and progress driven and follow the SMART goal acronym is the best way to increase your likelihood to succeed. For example, you may set a goal to lose 5kg in 6months, but how are you going to do that? You will also need to set a goal regarding your diet and exercise.

Lets take a closer look at what a SMART goal looks like and how to create one on your own.

Specific

• Well defined, clear, and unambiguous
• Example – to lose 5kg in 6months by meeting the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines for weight loss and making modifications to my diet based off advice from my dietitian.

Measurable

• Specific criteria in which you can record your progress.
• Example – Time as a unit to measure how much aerobic activity you are achieving each week

Achievable

• Attainable and not impossible to achieve
• Example – if we are setting a goal for someone who is currently achieving less than 30minutes of aerobic exercise a week, it is a good idea to start off small and build up gradually. SMART goals that are too ambitious are likely to act as demotivators.
• It’s also wise to consult an Exercise Physiologist for realistic goals regarding weight loss, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar given a specific time frame.

Realistic

• Within reach relevant to your overall goal
• Example – we cannot expect someone who typically has not had a great relationship with physical activity to suddenly become a fitness fanatic! Smarting small is key in this example.

Timely

• With a clearly defined timeline, including start date and end date
• Example – for the first 3 months of 2021, get off the bus two stops before workplace and walk the rest of the way.

It is also important to be constantly re-evaluating and recording your progress. Are your goals still relevant? Are you struggling with motivation? Naturally, life can deliver us all sorts of uncertainties, and our priorities and needs are constantly changing, so it is important to reflect this in your goal setting. Your goals will always be evolving. Writing goals down or creating a check list are two great ways to hold yourself accountable and be self-aware.

If you are still unsure if your goals are relevant or unrealistic, consult an Exercise Physiologist, Contact Longevity Personal Training and Exercise Physiology Edgecliff, Lindfield, Marrickville, Randwick, Drummoyne, Balmain, Bella Vista on 1300 964 002 to enquire today.

Written By Georgia Wassall