Was Your New Years Resolution SMART?

Can you believe it is already February! We start the New Year off with great intentions to make it our best year yet, but February is the month that most of us end up reverting back to our pre-New Year’s Resolution habits.

Among the top New Years Resolutions made each year are ones involving fitness. Most commonly weight loss. So let me ask you: Are you still on track, or have you already given up on your New Year’s Resolution?

It has been reported that approximately 92% of New Year’s Resolutions fail. This means that less than 1 out of 10 people will actually successfully accomplish their New Years Resolution. Based on that statistic, it’s no wonder we remain frustrated year after year about our ongoing, failed, weight loss attempts.

Why do you think the failure rate is so high?

It is because the resolutions we set are simply unrealistic. It’s great to dream and challenge ourselves, but it’s important that these dreams are realistic. When we set ourselves unrealistic expectations, we quickly get discouraged and give up on the goal altogether.

To help get you back on track, let me share with you my tips on how to set SMART goals and make 2010 the year you finally succeed in achieving that New Year’s Resolution you made!

SMART Goals are:

Specific: Research shows that the more specific your goals are, the more likely you are to achieve them. So ask yourself questions such as: How much weight do I want to lose? What dress size do I want to be? When you answer these questions be painstakingly specific with yourself.

Measurable: You need to set goals where you can physically measure your results. Whether it be by pounds on a scale, inches on a tape measure, or even fitting into a piece of clothing you have not been able to wear in years. You need to be able to measure your results.

Attainable: If you set the goal to lose 30 pounds, you are not going to lose it all in one month. Setting unattainable goals will simply end in failure. Instead, break your goal up into smaller attainable goals such as losing 1-2 pounds each week. Achieving each smaller goal will reinforce your progress and you will eventually reach any desired goal you set yourself.

Realistic: In order to set realistic goals you really need to know yourself. You want to challenge yourself, but still remain realistic and honest about your abilities. For example, if you are not a morning person then do not base your weight loss workout routine on 6 am gym sessions. You will not stick with this plan very long. Instead, commit to exercising at a time of day you know will work for you.

Time-bound: Every smart goal needs a deadline. Keep the above steps in mind and give yourself an exact date and time that your goal needs to be achieved by.

The New Year is still young, so now is a good time to go back and review your resolutions. Follow the steps above to be sure you have made a SMART resolution that will make 2010 your year to finally conquer that New Year’s Resolution!

Kristy Lee Wilson is an ACSM, NASM, and NSCA Certified Personal Trainer, NASM Performance Enhancement Specialist, IYCA Youth Fitness Specialist, and MDA Spinning Instructor. Kristy is also a performer with the world renowned Cirque du Soleil, and has been performing with Cirque since 2001. Please contact Kristy at kristyleefitness@me.com with any questions regarding health and fitness.