Goal Setting in 2013

In a health Centered Practice goal setting is a huge part of helping people take control of their own health and breaking out of the disease cycle. I thought it would be good to write about the goal setting process as I know many of you probably have started to undertake the New Year’s Resolutions for 2013 and are now about a month out. To make sure these resolutions turn into attainable goals make sure of the following:
The acronym S.M.A.R.T. may be a helpful reminder of things that are needed to make sure the goals are achieved in what ever you do. “S” stands for specific. When you have a dream of accomplishing something, make sure that the goals that you set are specific and crystal clear. An example of this concept is this time of year many say that they want to lose weight. The question is, how much and why. Incorporate this into your goal and your chances for accomplishing this goal will increase.
“M” means that the goal must be measureable. Having this feedback is critical to know where you are and where you want to go. It also serves to help you know when you get there. “A” stands for attainable. Is the goal that you set able to be attained? “R” is for realistic. The goal in order to be attained must be realistic. Lastly the “T” stands for time. There must be a specific time when you plan to attain a goal.
Knowing these things when you set goals will help you to accomplish a great deal in 2013. People who set goals are always successful. They plan, and work the plan. I always say to my patients that if you have a plan you will succeed. To have no plan is to plan to fail. We have the patients set both short and long term goals. We also give them feedback on how well they are doing in accomplishing those goals with measurable objective information. That way they know whether they are moving closer to or farther way from their health.
Good luck on setting and accomplishing your goals in 2013. If you would like more information about how to take control of your health in 2013 or if you are healthy how to make sure that you stay that way, please call me at 572-8000 or contact me through my website at scottr140.sg-host.com