In How to Set a SMART Goal-Part One, we asked our friend Cathy a series of questions to gather some more information so we could help her set a SMART Goal. Today, let’s take that information and put it all together.
Remember our 5 components of a SMART Goal? Let’s make sure the information Cathy shared with us will cover all 5 areas.
Last time we saw Cathy she shared that she would like to begin following some of the balanced plate principles by filling half her plate with fruits and/or vegetables during at least 2 meals a day. This specifically states what Cathy will commit to by sharing the action step she will take. This is also something that can be measured because Cathy can track whether or not she makes this change for 2 meals each day. This goal should be attainable because it provides Cathy flexibility in that she will only be making this change to 2 of her 3 meals every day to start. Cathy also identified why she wants to lose weight, which is so that she can fit into a sentimental dress for her daughter’s wedding. Shifting to include less calorie-dense foods like fruits and vegetables will help her do this. Lastly, Cathy indicated her long-term goal is to lose weight in 6 months. So, to work towards that, she established the timeframe for her short-term SMART goal as one month. She picked one month so that she can check in with herself and evaluate her progress.
Looks like we have all the necessary information, let’s put this all together and take a look at Cathy’s SMART Goal.
Cathy’s SMART Goal: “My goal is to begin following the balanced plate principles by filling half my plate with fruits and/or vegetables during at least two of my meals every day for the next month. This will help me work towards my long-term goal to lose weight in the next 6 months so that I can fit into a sentimental dress for my daughter’s wedding.”