m i n d f u l l i v i n g o n l i n e

Friday, April 30, 2010

Today's Small Change: AIM for Success


  

by Ellie Krieger

Set Smart Short-term and Long-term Goals

As you work your way through the Healthy Living program, you probably have a long-term goal or two in mind. Whether these goals consist of losing weight, improving your fitness level, or finding balance in your daily life (or all of the above!), it's great to know what kind of "big picture" you're aiming for. But it's also important to set smaller, short-term goals that you can strive for and achieve along the way. Accomplishing these smaller goals will help you feel rewarded for your efforts, and it can help you stay motivated over the long haul.

The key is to set smart goals that you can realistically achieve. Your goals should be Attainable, In line with your priorities, and Measurable and specific (AIM for short).

You'll want to make sure that the goals you set are attainable, or realistic. Biting off more than you can chew will just set you up for failure and disappointment. So aim to set a goal you can actually reach. When you have success with one small goal, you can look forward to setting another.

You'll also want to make sure that the goals you set are in line with your priorities. Decide, for example, whether it's more important to incorporate your physical activity into time you spend with your family (in which case a nightly walk with your children may work nicely) or to use it as time for yourself (in which case a solitary jog or yoga practice may be a better fit).
Finally, make your goals as specific as possible. Rather than just saying "I want to get in better shape," aim to be able to walk a certain distance, jog a mile at a certain speed, or swim a certain number of laps. With specific, measurable goals like these, you'll know exactly what you're aiming for — and you'll know when you've gotten there!

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