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Make your 2024 Goals S.M.A.R.T Goals! Kevin Flaherty, PT
New Years Day can bring many emotions. We focus on the upcoming year. First, let’s look back at 2023. I was doing some reading and David Bach, NY Times best selling author asked, “what are you most proud of in 2023?”
I had not thought much about that before but now I believe this is critical for our success in attaining goals. So first off, what are you the most proud of in 2023? Go ahead and write that down and then share it with your significant other and family.
I think this is a great way to start off the year! Starting off on a positive note is a great place to start.
I really don’t like the word Resolution. The Internet’s definition of Resolution is: “a firm decision to do or not to do something.” Resolutions in many ways are things that many of us start, but crash and burn very quickly after starting it.
In PT, many times we are encouraging you to stop something that is not healthy for you, and to start doing more healthy activities. When we set goals, we get your input and we want you to be all in on attaining the goals you want.
When writing your goals for 2023, think about making them S.M.A.R.T goals. Don’t just say, “I’m going to loose weight in 2023!” That is not specific enough and usually will not be enough to get you where you want. Think SMART:
SPECIFIC: Make your goal specific.
MEASURABLE: Make the goal measurable by adding in some tangible numbers.
ATTAINABLE: Start slow and build. Don’t try to sprint through a marathon. Take your time and be reasonable with what you think you can do.
RELEVANT: Is the goal worth working hard for? How can it change your life?
TIME SPECIFIC: set a time frame for the goal to occur within.
So, using our example above, don’t just “I want to loose weight.” but instead, “I am going to loose 20 lbs. by June 1, 2023 so I can feel better in my bathing suit that I will wear to the beach.”
Now, what are the steps you need to take to attain this goal? How will eating, exercise and habit management help you attain your goal?
What do you need to stop doing? Can you stop slowly and under control where you reduce something? Eating less? Drinking less alcohol? Sit around less?
What can we start doing more of? Trying to walk more? Plan your meals in advance? Eat healthier? Eat smaller portions?
In any event, start slow, make small changes to your day and plan, plan, plan. I always tell patients, “somehow, you managed to be consistent with coming to PT 2 x a week for 8 weeks”…..How did you do that? Why did you do that? You had to have a plan to get it done. Let’s help you get a plan to make 2023 your best year ever!
Make your S.M.A.R.T goal just like your PT.
This will be hard. IT’S NOT EASY!!!!! But staying consistent with small changes will be a great start and as always, talk with your favorite PT to help you accomplish your goals for the upcoming year!
As always, speak to your favorite physical therapist if you need some help setting up and then attaining the goals you hope to accomplish in 2024.
Kevin Flaherty, PT, COMT
Owner, Physical Therapist, Chief Mojo Officer Flaherty Physical Therapy
