Ready to out-SMART your lazy genes and set achievable goals? Yeah, you are! Did you know, of the 43% people who set New Year's Resolutions, only 8% reach them?

That statistic proves that goals aren't impossible, but they require a lot of hard work and dedication. 

So, why were the 8% effective in reaching their goal?

How to Set Goals

Over the four years I spent in Australia, I noticed my weight gain had been considerable. In addition to not feeling good about myself, I lost my energy and was always lethargic.

I did the easy part and wrote down my goal, “I want to lose 20 pounds in three months.” But how am I going to do that? 

WHAT IS A SMART GOAL? PLUS GOAL SETTING EXAMPLE

Many people recommend S.M.A.R.T. goals, an acronym that means:
Specific | Measurable |  Attainable |  Realistic | Timely 

Using the previous example, I’ve adapted the goal to be SMART:

“I want to lose 20 pounds by May 13, 2017, by eating healthy and exercising five days a week.”

Next, it's time to make a plan of action.

• Detail the exact steps required to eat healthily and exercise regularly

• Remove hurdles that could sidetrack my progress

• Tell a friend and report to them regularly

BUT, is this really how I'm going achieve my goal?

IDENTIFY THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM.

Although my initial plan was solid, why had I not reached this goal while in Australia? I had a well-balanced diet, physically active, but it's like the pounds only increased. It was frustrating! 

To reach my goal, I had to identify the root of the problem.

• When did my weight gain begin?

• What factors in my life were contributing to stress?

• What were my eating habits?

• What were my exercise habits?

• When has worked before, if anything?

• How was my body functioning? Am I lethargic? Do I get regular headaches? Are my menstrual cycles regular?

• What has been my perception of my body?

It was clear that my issues had started around the time I moved to Australia. After extensive research and many doctors visits, I realized I was suffering from leaky gut.

ADDRESS THE REAL ISSUES

Whether you use SMART goals or other methods, to reach your goals you need to identify and address any barriers.

I could have worked my booty off and consumed less than a thousand calories a day, but I would have never lost the 20 pounds. 

Next time you're struggling to reach your goals, ask yourself the profound questions that will get you closer to uncovering your roadblocks.

Set goals in these areas of Your Life

You, can apply smart goals in all areas of your life!! In addition to my health goal, I also plan to use the same formula with my personal goal to be wholeheartedly me.

What has been preventing me from living a wholehearted life? 

Along with my low self-confidence, and fear of failure, I have resisted vulnerability. I've curated every sentence and planned every milestone to be what I believe the world expects of me. 

It will be extremely uncomfortable to go against the grain, but knowing this is a hurdle, discomfort equals growth, which is one step closer to living wholeheartedly.

• Spiritual Goals - Incorporating meditation and journaling into your life

• Financial Goals - Start saving for a dream or get out of debt

• Educational Goals - Read new books or pick up a new skill

• Fitness Goals - Walk more and incorporate more vegetables in your diet

• Relationship Goals - set a weekly date night, set time aside to call your parents or siblings

• Career Goals - update your resume or volunteer on a new project

• Social Goals - attend a local meetup or call a friend for a coffee date

What stopping you from setting meaningful goals

It’s easy to get down on ourselves when things don’t go according to plan. It’s okay, take time to evaluate what the root of the problem and keep trying. You may realize that the goal you’re trying to set no longer fits into your life or that you actually want to achieve something different! That’s okay! Here are some questions you can ask yourself to discern any speed bumps you’re facing with your goals.

• What goals are you struggling to reach?

• Why have you yet to achieve them?

• What's holding you back?

• What's preventing you from moving forward?

SET GOALS FOR YOURSELF TEMPLATE

To help you out, here’s a free download (no email required)!

Do you believe identifying the root of the problem will help you achieve your goals? Is there anything else you think is vital to achieving your goal? 

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