Christmas and all it’s craziness is over and the focus shifts to the New Year. You start reflecting on the previous 12 months, where you are now and where we would like to be, and realise that the resolutions you set last year still haven’t been achieved.
Like many looking forward to another opportunity to ‘start over’, you may have welcomed in the new year setting a few New Year resolutions, (perhaps with a sore head and even a #newyearsresolution) vowing that 2015 will be different, that this year will be THE year to achieve those resolutions from last year, and the year before… and the year before that…….. However, despite best intentions and even extreme enthusiasm, according to research, 88% of 2015 resolutions won’t be achieved.
Remember? someecards
So how can we improve our chances of success? Some of you may have seen or read that a better approach is to set goals instead of setting resolutions, and ideally these will be SMART goals. SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound and can be a very effective way to achieve results. Compare the resolution ‘I want to get fit’, with the SMART goal ‘I will lose 5% of my body weight in the next 6 months’.
It is specific in that it spells out exactly what is to be achieved. It is measurable by use of a percentage of body weight. It is likely to be achievable as according to research the average adult can achieve improved health through losing 10% of their body weight. It is realistic in terms of the time frame to lose the amount of body weight, and finally it is time bound to 6 months. While this approach provides a lot more structure and guidance for achieving the outcome than a simple resolution, often SMART goals on their own aren’t achieved either.
My goal for 2015 someecards
‘Why not?’ I hear you ask. Because ‘life’ gets in the way. You experience obstacles that trip you up, bring you undone and make working towards your resolutions and goals seem all too hard, and before long they are a distant memory. The next thing you know another year has passed you by and your resolutions and goals haven’t been achieved….again. You then either start the same cycle next year or eventually feel defeated and give up all together, thinking that there is something wrong with you or that you are a failure.
So how do we stop this crazy cycle? This is where Wellness Coaching can help you. Together with your Wellness Coach we capture and develop your life vision, that is, what your ultimate healthiest life looks like, but also explore the obstacles you may face and the strengths you possess to over come them. Together we then set 2 – 3 three month SMART goals that will take the steps towards achieving your vision. Each week together we look at 2 – 3 SMART steps you can take towards achieving each three month goal, keeping in mind your obstacles and your strengths to overcome them. It is 100% personalised based on you, your vision, your circumstances and your strengths. This wholistic approach to goal setting provides accountability, order, clarity, challenge, small steps and ultimately SUCCESS.
In the coming weeks I will be writing more posts on setting and achieving goals through Wellness Coaching. In the mean time if you would like more information about Wellness Coaching and / or the coaching services Life Spark Wellness provides, please send me an email at info@lifesparkwellness.com.au or give me a call on 0427 062 043.
