It’s a new year…and IT starts, today. But, what is your IT? Working to improve the health and lives of those around you is a lofty goal….but, in so many cases-we all just need to start with ourselves.
I’ve been a runner for 5 years. Over the years, I’ve run many races, a few marathons, and coached several groups of students to reach their goals….but, every once in a while I seem to lose the IT….This always seems to happen when I don’t have a specific measurable and/or attainable goal in site.
This time of year I hear so many say….I want to lose weight. or I want to get in shape.The downside of “goals” like these….they aren’t specific, measurable…and, therefore, pretty much NOT attainable.
As an educator we set SMART Goals for our students…Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-Oriented, and Timebound. Then, we pick 3-5 specific strategies to meet those goals..why shouldn’t we use this same concept to meet our own personal goals?
By March of 2010, I will lose 10 pounds.
Strategies:
I will walk/run for a minimum of 30 minutes 5 days a week.
I will eliminate soda pop from my diet.
I will pack my lunch for work each day instead of going out for lunch.
This year my IT is to always have a personal SMART goal.
By May of 2010, I will run a half-marathon with a time of 1:50 or better.
Strategies:
Use a Running Journal to plan my runs each week.
Run 18-30 miles per week.
Work my core at least 4 days a week.
Eat the right foods to fuel my body.
Run a 5k and a 10K during my training.
So…what is your SMART Goal?
Jen
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