If there's one thing I've learned during my time as a health buff, it's that setting and achieving your health goals is absolutely crucial. It's about more than just wanting to look good in your swimwear - although that's a nice bonus! For me, it started at the beach with Benny, my cheeky golden retriever. Benny has the energy of a rocket taking off, and one day, I realized I was struggling to keep up with him. I knew then that I had to make some changes. I needed to redefine what "healthy" meant for me and make it my mission.
The first question you should ask yourself when it comes to setting health goals is, "Why is this important to me?" Establishing your motivation will create a foundation for your commitment to change. Whether it's to keep up with your energetic doggo, like me, or to buckle down and scale the Mount Everest of your dreams, a firm understanding of your why will armor you through your health journey.
As my parrot Louie would say - in the limited, somewhat garbled English he knows - "You got this, Madeline!" Your "why," once discovered, is your war-cry. Brandish it proudly when your resolve wavers. Picture it every time you lace up those trainers for a run. Attach your health goal to something important in your life, and commit to making it a reality.
Ambitions and dreams are all well and good, but when it comes to your health, you need to be precise. That's where SMART goals come into play. If you find yourself asking, "What makes a goal SMART?" then, buckle up because we're diving in!
SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. These are the characteristics that should define your health goals. Being vague won't cut it - instead of saying, "I want to be healthy," try "I will walk for 30 minutes every day for a month." Notice the difference? The latter goal is quantifiable and firm, making it easier to follow and easier to measure success.
When developing your goals, ask yourself: "What exactly do I want to achieve?" "How will I know when I've achieved it?" "Can I realistically achieve this goal?" "Is this goal relevant to my health?" "When do I want to achieve this goal?" By asking these questions, you'll have a clear and precise target to hit.
No woman is an island. This is true in every aspect of life, from work to health. When it comes to achieving your health goals, a reliable support system is as important as a good pair of running shoes. Possibly more! So, ensure you have people around you who'll support your endeavors and inspire you to make healthier choices.
Your support system could be anyone from your partner, friends, family members, work colleagues, or your Personal Trainer. Or even your dog, in my case! But remember, it's not about having a cheerleading squad – it's about having people who understand your why and are there to push you on your tougher days.
This doesn’t mean they have to join in on your sunrise yoga sessions (though, Benny has been known to try a downward dog or two alongside me!). But they do have to encourage you, respect your choices, and sometimes, just be a pair of listening ears. Having a positive and healthy environment will act as the wind beneath your wings as you work towards your health goals.
Embarking on a health journey can feel as daunting as tackling a mountain. Yet, anyone who's climbed a mountain will tell you that you don't leap to the peak in one bound. Instead, you break it down into manageable segments. Divide your large, overarching health goals into smaller, bite-sized mini-goals - these are less intimidating and more achievable.
Allow me to demonstrate this with a personal story. One of my health goals was to run a marathon. However, I didn’t wake up one morning and run the whole 42.195 kilometres. Instead, I began by walking for 30 minutes daily, then gradually stepped up the pace to jogging and eventually running. Initially, a marathon felt like an unachievable goal, but by breaking it down into smaller goals, I was able to keep making progress and ultimately achieved what I set out to do.
Setting goals and working at them is important, but so are the tools and strategies you use. From mobile apps to fitness watches, choose tools that will complement your health routine and help keep you on track. They don’t have to be expensive – a simple notebook to record your daily workouts and meals can go a long way in helping you stay accountable and committed.
Consider also employing strategies to help you maintain your dedication. Think in terms of 'systems' not just 'goals.' For example, instead of setting a goal to lose 10 kilos, create a system where you eat healthily and do physical activity regularly. That way, you'll be thinking more in terms of a sustainable lifestyle shift rather than a finite goal to strive for.
In the end, setting and achieving your health goals is about personal growth and self-improvement. It's about waking up and knowing you're giving your all to becoming the best version of yourself. There will be challenges and there will be setbacks, but remember, progress isn't linear.
Embrace the journey and not just the destination. Make allowances for some endearing human slip-ups like that one time when Louie, my parrot, got his feathers into my salad, and I opted for a grilled cheese sandwich instead! As long as you stay committed to your cause, you'll find that the journey to achieving your health goals can be a rewarding one, filled with personal triumphs, growth, laughter, golden retrievers, and sometimes, just sometimes, incredibly cheeky parrots!
Remember, you've got this! There's a healthier, happier you waiting at the end of the road. So, lace up those trainers, keep your goals in sight, and let's get moving!
Written by Madeline Sterling
View all posts by: Madeline Sterling