By: Kayla Sabatini
Part of moving forward in life is setting goals. Many people’s goals include nutrition goals. It could be to eat in a more “healthy” way, start exercising, or increasing variety in your diet. Goals are different and individualized from person to person, but how can you set goals, manage them, and succeed?
- REALISTIC. The easiest way to set yourself up for failure is expecting too much of yourself. No one knows you better than you do. When setting goals make sure it is something that you can see yourself accomplishing or maybe break a large goal into smaller ones to add up to an ultimate goal.
- SHORT AND LONG TERM. When setting up both long and short term goals you give yourself a chance to see some progress along the way instead of having to wait long periods of time for all successes. Seeing results and successes help keep you stay on track towards long-term goals.
- PERFECTION. Although we all want to be perfect, it is inevitable that we may hit a few bumps in the road. If when you are on a path towards attaining your goals you stray away; believe you can get back on track. This is a perfect time to stop, think about your goal, reprioritize what you are doing, think of actions that you can do to get back on track, and then put those actions into practice.
- ACCOUNTABILITY. When setting goals, it may be helpful to write them down. Make a list and prioritize the items on the list from most to least important or from shortest to longest time frame for goals to be met. Also record your progress; it can help on days when you want to give up seeing the progress and successes you have made so far. Being accountable and recording your progress can help in future goal making, showing the most effective ways you can reach goals and what realistic goals look like for you.
- BELIEVE. You must have the confidence in yourself and the focus to stay on track to attain your goals. Remind yourself that you can do it and one by one you will attain your goals and see many successes!