Just about all of us make New Year’s resolutions – but have a hard time keeping them. The key to success, experts say, is to make bite-size goals, rather than huge ones.
For instance, physician Jaime Oswald says, “If you want to lose weight, think about what habits you can change to make it happen. For example, a good goal may be eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day for two weeks. After the two weeks are up, you can reflect and reevaluate your goals.”
Dr. Oswald adds that being able to accomplish your goal will make you feel good about yourself and more likely to continue with your good habits.
Experts also say we should set “SMART” goals:
- Specific: Clearly define your goal as a particular action item (e.g., “Exercise three days a week”).
- Measurable: Attach a quantifiable metric and a realistic timeframe to your goal (e.g., “Go to the gym three days a week for a month”).
- Attainable: Ensure your goal is realistic, adjusting if necessary for smaller, achievable wins.
- Relevant: Align your goals with your genuine aspirations and interests.
- Time-based: Set deadlines for your goals to assess progress regularly and make adjustments as needed.
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