HEALTH
It is that time of year again where most of us have created New Year’s Resolutions! Many of us opt for health based resolutions, particularly exercise or physical activity based ones. New Year's Resolutions are infamous for failing but why is this the case?
Setting goals can make exercise feel more purposeful and motivating—but vague goals like “get fit” are hard to stick to. That’s where SMART goals come in. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, and it’s a simple framework that helps turn good intentions into realistic plans.
First, make your goal Specific. Instead of saying “I want to exercise more,” try “I want to go for a brisk walk.” Specific goals give you clarity and direction. Next, ensure your goal is Measurable so you can track progress. For example, “walk for 30 minutes” or “do 3 workouts per week” lets you clearly see how you’re doing.
Your goal should also be Achievable. It’s great to challenge yourself, but setting goals that fit your current schedule, energy level, and experience makes you more likely to succeed. A beginner aiming to exercise five minutes a day is often more effective than aiming for an hour and burning out.
Relevant goals connect to why exercise matters to you—maybe it’s improving energy, reducing stress, or supporting overall health. When your goal aligns with your personal reasons, it’s easier to stay motivated.
Finally, make your goal Time-bound by setting a clear timeframe, such as “for the next four weeks.” Deadlines create focus and help you reflect and adjust.
By using SMART goals, exercise becomes less overwhelming and more sustainable. Small, thoughtful goals can build confidence, consistency, and a healthy relationship with physical activity over time. Base your resolution on SMART goals, and be the one who is successful in improving your health and achieving your goals this new year.
