Once I learned the definition of success, I knew I needed that in my life. To be successful is a goal I set for myself early on. For some, success can be measured in terms of awards, education or wealth. If I were to measure my success in wealth, I could count all my loose change I saved in a year and say I’m that much richer. However, success is not something I can measure in only a year or even know how to measure. My goal of being successful is definitely a work in progress, and continues to be one of my long-term goals.

Setting S.M.A.R.T Goals

When setting long-term goals it is okay to be broad, and look at the big picture. You examine your life, and think about your career, finances, education, health or family, and see what needs to be improved. But when it comes to setting short-term goals it is very important to be specific and start off small. Start by having a plan. Create a one-week or five-year plan, make a to-do list or keep a diary of things you need to do to achieve your specific goal(s); revisions are always welcome. Furthermore, put emphasis on positivity. It is important to set positive goals to motivate you. So for example, along with being successful, my goal is to stay healthy (again, very broad). However, to be more specific, my health goal is to increase physical activity to lose five pounds in three months. I will achieve this by walking thirty minutes, three days a week, gradually increasing walking time to one hour every day. A pre-weight will be taken, and walks will be recorded in a daily journal to keep myself on track. By the end of three months, I will see if I’ve accomplished my goal of weight loss.

This goal was set using the concept of SMART goals. A SMART goal is a mnemonic that stands for:
S = Specific. Is your goal specific?
M = Measureable. Can you measure it?
A = Attainable. Is the goal something you can do/complete?
R = Realistic. Are you willing and able to work towards the goal?
T = Time. Is there a time frame?

My example of weight loss touches on all those elements. For additional help with goal setting, follow these tips:

• Each goal should be a positive statement.
• Make it a priority. If you have multiple goals, rate your goals by priority.
• Put it in writing. You will be able to visually see them, and it gives the goal more power.
• Keep it small. Having too large of a goal may feel like progress is just as small, but working towards the small goals can offer little rewards.

Whether you want to register for college, have glucose levels within normal limits or run a marathon, utilizing these goal setting tips can make your goals a successful reality.

What if I told you, you can choose between sugar plum fairies or a lump of coal?  Seems like an obvious answer, but somehow, the decision is not that easy.  Let me explain my thinking.

By Star 5112

So…day in and day out, as a health care provider, I have the challenge of helping adults that have previously struggled with weight loss finally lose those pesky pounds to improve their health.

 In my efforts to help each person with an increased Body Mass Index  (BMI) and other health risk factors to lose weight, I pull out all of the “scary” words in hopes that each individual will have the ah-ha moment and commit to changing their ways.

 These “scary” words are the coal in your stocking.   It’s not what you want for Christmas, but what you may be getting… whether you like it or not.  These “lumps of coal” are heart attacks, stroke, diabetes, and cancer to name a few.  I tell each person about these life threatening problems, the ones that may kill you, but somehow, these warnings don’t translate to better health.  So this holiday season, I am taking a whole new refreshing approach…sugar plum fairies. 

The “sugar plum fairies” are those amazingly wonderful things that you love and live for.  Moments with your family and friends, reminiscing about old times with your favorite people, exotic vacations or traveling abroad, great laughs, and all of your happy thoughts.

 Making a list of reasons you want to lose weight is always one of my favorite requests I ask of our clients during counseling sessions.

 This list may contain some things that make you feel good on the outside – of course- like how you look in your jeans or swimsuit.  It should also contain the things that make you feel good on the inside – those happy thoughts.

 Some of my favorite reasons for weight loss is to be able to keep up with your kids, meeting your grandkids, being able to travel without feeling tired, and on and on.

 My hope for our entire Skinny Gene family is that as the New Year approaches, we can all take time to reflect on our goals for better health.

The choice is yours, lumps of coal or sugar plum fairies?  It might be time to make some changes – I’m sure you’ll find the sugar plum fairies are worth it!

By Emily Barr, MS, RD, CNSC

Want More?? Check out these posts from Emily…

Meet Emily

How Did You Do It?

Sweets & Sabotages

Sugar Aliases

Halloween Temptations

High Five to Healthy Lunches

Vitamin D: Sunshine Vitamin, or not?

Summertime Drinks that Won’t Bust Your Diet or Your Waistline

Best Defense Against Cellulite

Water Filled Summer

Value Menu-Eat now, Pay later

Different ages, different requirements to be healthy

Kids Really Do Like Fruits and Vegetables

Spring into Green