Embrace the New Year with SMART Goals. P.S. Your Resolutions can be FUN!

Welcome 2024!

Each new year, many of us embark on a journey of self-improvement by setting goals. Here at Streamline Physio, we are well versed in helping people of all ages achieve fitness and sport related goals. Time and time again we see how making efforts to improve ourselves in this area translates into overall improved wellness, self efficacy, happiness, and more! 

So often, our resolutions focus on fitness objectives we tend to forget: Resolutions can be ANYTHING! Your 2024 resolutions do NOT have to be limited to getting in shape or training for a marathon! From trying new recipes, learning a language, or starting a scrapbook – your 2024 goals can be whatever you choose!

Whatever you choose, we have some key tips and tricks to support your journey.

Make a SMART Goal:

No matter where your year takes you, SMART goals will be a useful guide in starting (or restarting) fresh in 2024. Research shows that we are far more likely to achieve a SMART goal aka a goal that is: 

• Specific: Define your goals clearly. What exactly do you want to achieve? Why is it important to you?
• Measurable: Establish criteria to track progress and measure success. How will you know when you’ve reached your goal?
• Achievable: Ensure your goals are realistic and within reach. Can you realistically accomplish this goal given your resources and constraints?
• Relevant: Align your goals with your values and long-term objectives. Does this goal matter to you and contribute to your overall well-being or growth?
• Time-bound: Set a timeframe for achieving your goals. When do you aim to accomplish this?

Take time to think, write, plan, and envision what your goals will be and your path towards achieving them. Journal, paint, collage, or map out your calendar. Let it be fun!

The Limitations of Willpower:

Setting SMART goals is a fantastic start, but relying solely on willpower to achieve them might prove to be insufficient in the long run. Willpower is a finite resource. It can waver in the face of stress, fatigue, or unexpected challenges. Willpower should NOT be the sole driving force behind achieving our goals.

Identifying Potential Obstacles: Take time to anticipate potential hurdles that might arise on your path to achieving your goals. Is it lack of time, resources, or unforeseen circumstances that could impede your progress?

Creating a Contingency Plan: Develop strategies to navigate through these obstacles. If time constraints hinder your goal of reading, consider audiobooks during your commute. If a hectic schedule affects cooking experiments, plan meal preps during the weekend.

Building Resilience: Embrace setbacks as learning opportunities. If you falter in your practice routine or miss a milestone, reflect on what caused the setback and adjust your plan accordingly. The key lies in resilience—bouncing back stronger and more determined.

Revisiting and Adjusting Goals: Periodically reassess your goals. Are they still relevant and aligned with your aspirations? Adjustments might be necessary as circumstances change or new priorities emerge.

Envisioning Successful Outcomes: Success isn’t just about reaching the finish line; it’s also about the journey, the learning, and the growth that comes with it. Envisioning success involves not only setting the goal but also visualizing yourself overcoming obstacles and reaching the desired outcome.

By acknowledging the limitations of willpower and preparing for potential obstacles, you’re setting yourself up for a more resilient and successful journey towards achieving your goals. Remember, the road to success is not always linear. It’s the ability to adapt, stay committed, and get back on track that defines true progress.

Diversifying Goals Beyond Fitness:

SMART goals are excellent tools when embarking on a fitness journey. BUT the usefulness of goal setting is again not limited to physical fitness. You can apply SMART goal setting in any and all of your resolutions. 

• Culinary Adventures: Make a goal to learn and master a new cooking technique or explore diverse cuisines by trying out a new recipe each week. Specific targets might include preparing a five-course meal from a different culture by year-end.
• Mindful Moments: Dedicate time each day to practice mindfulness or meditation. Measure your progress by tracking the duration and consistency of your daily practice.
• Creative Pursuits: Commit to nurturing your creative side. Whether it’s painting, writing, photography, or learning a musical instrument, set specific milestones to achieve throughout the year.
• Community Engagement: Get involved in volunteering or community service activities. Your goal could be to contribute a certain number of hours per month to a cause you’re passionate about.
• Learning Adventures: Challenge yourself to read a specific number of books or acquire new skills. Make it measurable by setting a goal to complete a book every two weeks or enroll in a course to learn a new language or hobby.

Making Goals Fun:

The essence of goal setting is not merely ticking off tasks but relishing the journey of personal growth and fulfillment. Incorporate elements of enjoyment into your goals:

• Invite friends or family to join in, making goals a shared experience.
• Establish rewards or celebrate milestones along the way to mark your progress.
• Remember, the joy of achieving your goals lies in embracing the process as much as the outcome itself.

What exciting goals will you set for yourself in the coming year? 🌟🎉