I've decided I want to wear lipstick....

Step 1: Get in the best shape of your life.  Hmmm… that’s a little vague, huh?  Let’s start at the very beginning.   SET YOUR GOALS TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS.

Elyse, my dear health coach, guidance counselor and encourager, has requested that I write down some goals.  She keeps asking me, “What are your health goals?”

Health goals?  Uh, cut out Snickers from my diet?  Exercise more? Get toned? Feel good?  Let’s talk about why setting goals is important, and how to SET and ACHIEVE them.

Why is setting goals important?

By writing down your goals, you are helping yourself to narrow and focus your effort toward goal-relevant activities.  If you narrow your focus, you are more likely to achieve your goals.

Setting goals can also lead to more effort (there’s that special word again). I encourage you to post your goals on a blog, or on facebook. Share them with the people around you.  Post them on your bathroom mirror.  Remind yourself to make that effort.  This will help keep you accountable.  Also, when your goals are open to those around you, you never know who will want to walk beside you and do it with you!  Partnering up, is always a good plan J

Setting goals also makes you more prone to work through setbacks.  If the goal is written down, and your support group is aware of your goal, you are more likely to work through all the distractions in order to achieve the goal. There are plenty of set backs to the goal of, “getting in shape” and I know we have all experienced set backs before.  Focus on persistence.

Last, setting goals can lead individuals to develop and change their behavior!  We have all developed habits over the years, and if you’re like me, the bad habits out weigh the good.  But this journey is all about the effort to change. 

Okay, Okay. There are a thousand reasons to set goals.  LET’S WRITE THEM DOWN! 

A quick crash course on what your goals should look like.  Goals should be SMART.

·         Specific

·         Measureable

·         Attainable

·         Relevant

·         Timely

Also, part of living an active and healthy lifestyle, is enjoying life!  Set goals that are merely about having fun, trying something new, or relaxing. 

 

Step 2: SET YOUR GOALS!