It is hard to believe that we are entering the second half of 2016. Where did the time go? Were you like most of us who set a New Year’s goal or resolution?
How are you doing with that goal? Did you achieve it and move forward with your new healthy lifestyle behaviors? Did you get sidelined by events in your life?
If this new habit is part of your routine, great! If not, is it still relevant? Do you need to revise your goal? Recently I encouraged program participants to set a SMART Goal. What is a SMART goal?
One of the best things you can do to start on your road to health is to set goals using the SMART method. Let’s start by setting a SMART Wellness Goal. Make sure your goal contains all of these components:
S Specific – Walk 30 minutes
M Measurable – 6 days each week
A Attainable and Action-Oriented – I will walk (I have no limitations)
R Realistic – I already walk 15 minutes 6 days of the week
T Time Specific – By August 15, 2016
SMART Goal: By August 15, 2016, I will walk for 30 minutes at least 6 days each week.
Another Example of a SMART Goal: By August 15, 2016, I will stretch for 10 minutes at least 5 days a week.
Take a few minutes to write down Your SMART Goal: __________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
A great website tool to help you set nutrition and physical activity goals is SuperTracker which is available from the United States Department of Agriculture. Visit their website to get started with five simple goals. You will determine your goals and periodically receive encouragement thru your email.
Why should you consider your goals during vacation time? For many of us, vacation offers extra time to reflect on our lives and evaluate our progress. I consider my July vacation as a mid-point check-up. Are there things that I want to change to improve my health? Are there activities/projects that I want to accomplish before the year end? If so, taking a few minutes to pause and identify action steps & setting a SMART goal will help me achieve my goals.
Want a little more motivation? Check out Move it Monday for their Tip of the Week and suggestions for being more active.
Remember that even if you were derailed on your New Year’s Resolutions, it isn’t too late to start again! Write that goal and get started this vacation season!
Written by: Michelle Treber, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Pickaway County, treber.1@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Susan Zies, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Wood County, zies.1@osu.edu
Live Healthy Live Well 
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