Goal Setting and Tracking

Let’s Talk about Goal Setting

Only 20% of Americans set Goals. We all know how many stick to our New Years Goals

So What’s holding us up?

I would argue that it’s the planning and execution and planning that is lacking. And in this week’s podcast and newsletter, we’re going to break that down.

So what’s your goal?

Often time is hear, “To lose weight” or “To be Healthier”. These are GREAT goals! But they need to be broken down into action steps and daily routines.

So, if your goal is to be healthier, what does that mean or look like for you and your family?

If you’re not sure where to start, take a look back at week number 2 for the basic recommendations on nutrition. Where is an area you can improve on? What is a change that you think will not be a huge challenge for you or your family?

Let’s use “Eat more veggies” as an example. If your kids are only having veggies once per week, let’s remember that goal #1 does not need to be 3 serving a day, every day. We want to set ourselves up for success. Turn “eat more veggies” in a SMART goal:

Specific

Measurable

Attainable

Realistic

Time Bound

So, for the next 4 weeks, I will serve veggies 3 days per week. I will make carrots, broccoli, and green beans. I will broil them with dinner.

Now let’s set our actions steps for success:

We need to buy the veggies

We need to wash and prep them

We might want to look up recipes for how best to prepare them and be sure we have whatever addition cookware or ingredients we may need.

The next step is tracking

Why do we need to track?

Science shows us that tracking increases awareness and motivation, holds you accountable, and makes you more likely to succeed.

Tracking does not have to be complicated. You can use good old pen and paper, you can make an excel sheet, but when we want our kids to visualize progress, I like putting something out where they (and us) can be reminded of our goal every morning and every evening.

If you want a free copy of my MPower goal sheet and tracker, email me at [email protected]!

Check off the days when you were successful. Take noticed of the days that were challenging. You do not have to look at these as failures. They are teachable moments. What made them challenging? Did you work late on Wednesday? How can we make adjustments for next week to make that successful? Use frozen veggies that go in the microwave or air frier? 

How do you know when you have been successful and it’s time to move on to a new goal? When you are making veggies regularly without having to think much about this planning and tracking

Keep adding to your list of small goals, and little by little, you are becoming successful at “Being Healthier”!

Please reach out with questions or thought on this or other topics; [email protected] and be sure to tune into the Podcast!