Goal Setting For Health
1 Get specific. You can’t work toward a goal if you’re not sure what it is. Make it clear exactly what you plan to do.
2 Be realistic. Don’t plan a marathon if you’ve never run before. Realistic means achievable.
3 Challenge yourself. Select something you’re about 85 percent sure you can do.
4 Set long- and short-term goals. Short-term goals should lead gradually to your larger, long-term goal.
5 Write your goals down. You can look at them when your motivation sags to remind you where you’re headed.
6 Develop goal-achievement strategies. For example, if you want to quit smoking, read up on the current medications and look into support groups.
7 Consider your personality. Tailor your tools and strategies to your needs, ability level and interests.
8 Develop commitment. This means you stick to your game plan in good times and in bad.
9 Gather support. Surround yourself with enthusiastic, supportive people, even if it means meeting some new ones.
10 Evaluate your progress. Constant evaluation keeps setbacks in perspective – when viewed against the bigger picture, these events lose their devastating power. Expect the unexpected -- and make adjustments in response.