Goal setting is one of the best things a person can do to really make their life intentional, but so many people either neglect this practice and wander aimlessly through life or they set unrealistic objectives that are not attainable. Without goals one has no drive. I believe many people don’t know how to set their aspirations so taking a page from Spencer Johnson’s The One Minute Manager, one should set SMART goals.

S- A goal should be Specific; the more specific the better. This is where you really get to the heart of what you want to accomplish. “I kinda, sorta would like to …” is not much better than not having a goal.

M- A goal should be Measurable; how else would you know when you get there. This goes back to being specific. You have to be able to judge accomplishment.

A- A goal should be Attainable; again be realistic. Losing 65lbs by next Wednesday isn’t going to happen unless you are having a giant tumor removed or lipo or something. (FYI 1-2 lbs per week is considered a safe rate of weight reduction. Check with your physician before starting any weight loss plan.)

R- A goal should be Relevant. Does it matter? I may set a goal of changing all of the laces in every pair of shoes in my house this weekend. You’d say I’m crazy and I would agree. That’s ludicrous. Any goal you take the time to set and attain should mean something to somebody, especially you.

T- A goal should be Time Bound; have a deadline. I’ve found without a cut-off date there is a lack of determination. Set a limit and work towards that. When the time is up, assess the situation and set your next goal. (Without deadlines, there would be no procrastinators…think about it.)

As you maybe able to tell, I am in the process of evaluating a few things. I’ve been a few months without a defined fitness goal and my plan is to start a fitness blog Monday where I will chronicle my efforts to a stronger healthier me and it will start with a goal.