"New Year, New Me"

I'm going to preface this with... I know I did something very similar last year but this time around, I looked up statistics for an example of the less useful way. Plus, I have more subscribers so they will see it this time without scrolling through my profile (because why would they scroll through my profile without knowing something is there?)

* * *

It's the start of a new year, so many people around the world are creating new year's resolutions and setting themselves up for failure. I know that sounds kind of mean (not quite harsh) but it's the truth. People tend to make resolutions when there's a milestone of some sort (semester of school, New Year, graduating, etc.) but a lot can go wrong.

I'm going to use a pretty common resolution:

"I'm going to work out more."

A statistic that I looked up, for a rough estimate, showed that after only three months, about 10% of people with that goal are likely to maintain it, if it's even that high.

Some reasons for this:

1. They aren't prepared to stick to it, usually mentally.

2. The goals aren't specific so there's no way to track progress.

3. They aren't prepared to overcome obstacles.

*

There is a much better way to set goals, rather than waiting for a milestone. Of course, if that is what pushes you to start, that's great! What's important is having all the details for SMART goals set up, so you are set up for success.

Specific: what exactly method will you use? (I will exercise by going for walks.)

Measurable: how can you measure progress to know when your goal is achieved? (I will walk for 30 minutes.)

Attainable: is it possible with your situation? (Every day is too much for my body but I can do 3-4 times a week - that leaves a little leeway in case I have a rough day with PNEA when I planned on it.)

Realistic: can this really happen for you? (Do you have the time in your schedule? Is it within your ability?)

Time-bound: how much will you do in a certain length of time? (I will do this for three months before I reassess if I can add other exercise methods in.)

*I used an example that is something I personally could do, as long as my dietician approves. I'm going to ask next week but she might be against it, other than walking my dog (max. 20 minutes in a day) because I haven't been doing good. Fingers crossed though! I miss my walks, they were always so calming.*

*

I learned about SMART goals back in high school and didn't care about them for a long time. Then I did a group two years ago through an organization about goal-setting and mental health. I went through the program and the next time it was going to happen, my friend from the organization (I've been involved with them since 2014 and a volunteer since 2018, before I was legally an adult) asked if I would be interested in being a peer facilitator. They are required a peer facilitator and a professional facilitator. I instantly said yes (it's crazy what people don't think about when they're passionate about stuff - like my fear of public speaking). The training was three months after my group and the next group was a month after that.

Less wordy timeline:

Attended group -> three months -> training -> one month -> co-facilitator for first time

*

Using SMART goals has made it so I'm less hard on myself when I have a slip up or don't do what I said I would. Before, one mess up meant I ruined EVERYTHING. (The all capital letters is not an overreaction... Stuff that was unrelated to it was screwed up because of one mistake, in my mind.)

* * *

I hope this knowledge can help others make goals that they won't give up on and...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!