H EALTH
SMART Goals in 2024 by: Sydney Clifton, Vice President of Communications, Bay County Chamber of Commerce
J
anuary 1st is a pivotal day of each year. As the calendar turns a fresh page with the arrival of the New Year, many individuals begin a journey of self-improvement. Whether through small daily habits like making the bed or daring adventures such as skydiving, most people are looking to make a change.
First, be realistic. Create a SMART goal. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-specific.
One of the most common resolutions is the commitment to lose weight. Fueled by a desire for personal betterment and often inspired by the abundance of food during the holiday season, people set their sights on adopting healthier lifestyles. Whether it's physical fitness, dietary adjustments, or the embrace of holistic wellness practices, these resolutions sum up the human pursuit of a healthier and happier self in the coming year.
Achievable: Goals should not be too difficult or restrictive. People are much more likely to fail when the goal feels daunting.
A new year means new inspiration, but as humans, we lose motivation. The goal then slips and we are right back to where we started, waiting for a new year to be a “new me.” Many people set lofty goals without considering the gradual, incremental nature of lifestyle changes, leading to frustration and demotivation when instant results are not achieved. The start of a new year offers a symbolic opportunity for positive change, but how do we work to achieve the goals that have been set? 10
BAY BIZ / WINTER 2024
Specific: Goals shouldn’t be vague or ambiguous. They should be clearly defined and detailed. Measurable: There should be a way to track progress.
Relevant: This lifestyle change should be used as a step to achieve an overall goal. Time-Specific: Set a timeframe or deadline for achieving the goal. When the characteristics of the SMART goal are pieced together, the goal can look something like this, “I will be more active by walking outside for 30 minutes, three days a week for a month in order to fit in my clothes better.” Starting with a small goal will build success. Once you have attained that goal, set a new one, progressively advancing towards more significant achievements.
