Three weeks into 2020 and resolution season is in full swing. There’s something about the clean slate of January that brings forth renewed hope, motivation, and excitement, to make a change.

However, statistics show that 80% of people will give up on their resolutions by February for a variety of reasons.

The most important thing is having a solid plan to follow. Without a plan, you may end up getting lost along the way. Most people fail to ask for support and accountability in their health and wellness goals, so they don’t have someone who is cheering them on and helping them when they’ve gotten off track.

Now is the perfect time to check in on your resolutions and see if you’ve set SMART goals and have a plan of attack to achieve them. SMART stands for:

Specific: Instead of setting a goal of “getting healthy” make it more specific and pick something that will help you be healthier like “drink more water” or “start running regularly”.

Measurable: Now, put a number to it. “Drink 64 oz. of water everyday” or “Run 25 miles a week”

Achievable: Ask yourself if you can attain the goal you’ve set. With your busy work schedule, current physical fitness level and other family commitments, can you consistently achieve 25 miles a week?

Realistic: Is the goal within your reach and realistic? Let’s say your goal is to lose 30 lbs. in two months for your best friend’s wedding. That’s an aggressive goal that likely has a high rate of failure and can be unhealthy. If you set that expectation, you may be very disappointed and frustrated when you don’t hit that number.

Time-bound: Goals need deadlines. Without a light at the end of the tunnel, you can lose focus, lose motivation and eventually give up. Or, you may think you have all the time in the world and never really commit. Set a deadline and stick to it.

Now that you’ve set a SMART goal, it’s time to get the support and accountability you need. That’s where a coach, trainer or nutritionist can help. They know what works and how to help you change your habits to reach those goals.

Set up an appointment with one of our health and wellness experts at Connected Health to learn how you can set yourself up for success this year!