Stay strong as you age

Set goals for your health

Get started on your healthy path by setting some goals you’d like to reach. Then picture yourself achieving them. How will you do it? When? Why does it matter or why is important to you? That’s what SMART goals are all about.

Here’s what makes a goal SMART:

• “S” if for specific. Clearly state what your goal is and write it down. (It’s the difference between saying “I want to start exercising” and “I’m going to work out for 30 minutes three times a week.”)
• “M” is for measurable. It’s important to be able to track progress. For example, if you want to eat healthier, state how many servings of fruits and vegetables and how often you need to do it.
• “A” is for attainable. Nothing succeeds like success. Set goals that are realistic for you to achieve. That doesn’t mean you can’t set your sights high. But it might help to break it up into smaller steps.
• “R” is for relevant. Why do you want to reach your goal? What’s the real reason behind it? If it’s something that’s truly important to you, you’re more likely to do it.
• “T” is for time-based. Exactly when will you achieve your goal? Set a date or give yourself certain amount of time to reach your goal. Everyone works better when they have a deadline.