Baby Boomer Health and Wellness--Be S.M.A.R.T. About Your Goals - By: Nancy Stark

There are three types of goals.

1- Goals you have achieved before

2- Goals that you can most likely achieve with a bit more effort than previously used

3- Goals that are a journey of challenges and rewards that take you to where you want to be (Scary but do-able.)

Most Baby Boomers looking for change don't reach their goals because they have vague notions about what they want to achieve. Vague goals lead to frustration, procrastination and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Use the S.M.A.R.T. when setting goals. I have used this method with many of my coaching clients with amazing results.

S- SPECIFIC

Identify specific goals, not general goals. For instance, being concerned about losing that middle age spread is an admirable goal. Setting your sights on losing 20 pounds in six months is a S.M.A.R.T. goal. The more definition you give to your objective, the more focused and less confused you will be.

M- MEASURABLE

Tangible tools for measuring your improvement and development are necessary. You need to track your progress, gauge deadlines, and enjoy the rewards along the way. Rewards keep you motivated. Ask yourself: How will I know when I have reached my goal? How many baby steps do I need to take to reach my goal?

A- ATTAINABLE

Once you identify your goals, they become more lifelike. Awareness of your specific goals brings your desired objectives to the forefront of your consciousness. Goals are easier to visualize and appear more attainable. You begin to unfold the attitude, skills, and tools you need for success.

R- REALISTIC

What are you willing to do? What are you able to do? What do you need to do? Ask yourself those three questions. If you truly accept that you are willing and able to reach your desired goal, you will move forward. Remember to stick with the higher level goal- not the one that you have accomplished before or a goal that goes just beyond previous effort. The higher the goal, the more motivated you are and the more rewards you will obtain.

T- TIMELY

Many circumstances during midlife have an imposed deadline. For instance, you may have lost your job due to downsizing and you need to return to work before severance pay is depleted. If you have an action plan with designed steps toward the goal of finding a new job, give yourself a deadline for each step you need to accomplish. Deadlines give you focus, direction and closure. An ongoing goal is not a change. It keeps you at the level of status quo- and stuck!

Baby Boomers who are concerned about their health and wellness will be relieved to find out their is a method to the madness. Think S.M.A.R.T. Going from vague to specific goals will help advance your whole self.

About the Author

Go to Nancy's blog, http://www.babyboomerhealthandwellness.com for support. Nancy Stark is a professional certified life coach who specializes in the health and wellness of baby boomers. Learn practical and easy ways to integrate positive thinking, nutrition and exercise into your day to day activities.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Nancy-Stark/89339

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