How to set goals and stick to them

goal-setting-self for older adult

How to set goals and stick to them

How to set goals and stick to them

Giphy

Content for today - 3-minute read

  • Inform - Aim high and make some positive change

  • Motivate - The joy of fishing

  • Educate - Balance exercises to keep you on your fit

We all have aspirations, targets that we want to achieve. Some people hit their targets and fly onto the next one, while others give up after a limp attempt. How do we set ourselves up for success to achieve the all-important goal? Let’s review some tips to get those goals turbocharged and achieved :

Be SMART - this acronym contains the building block for success

  • Specific - A vague goal like cutting out sugar is so broad that it just doesn't hold you to account. If reducing sugar intake is your goal then think about where specifically you can change, such as not adding sugar to your cup of coffee or substituting a handful of nuts for a chocolate biscuit. This gives you a definite action plan.

  • Measurable - how do you know that you are achieving the goal? Count your steps if the increased activity is on your to-do list. Keeping track of your goal can be fun and give you a sense of achievement

  • Attainable - Don't set your goal to run the next London Marathon if you don't even own a pair of trainers yet. Make your goal something you can achieve in the short term and as you reach your target, you will get a sense of accomplishment which leads to the next and the next ..........

  • Relevant - Don't choose a goal to please others or your heart won't be in it. If learning French doesn't light your fire, then don't put that as a goal just because Deidre down the road wants someone to go to the local class with

  • Time-bound - Set an endpoint for the goal. If you miss this vital step you can always talk yourself out of starting today, as there is always tomorrow

Ready steady goal - you know what you want so what next ?

How to set goals and stick to them

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It might sound obvious but there are other tweaks that can really get you on your way

  • Write it down - put your goal somewhere where you can see it. Just the act of writing it makes it feel more real.

  • Tell someone about it - This can really help with commitment, knowing you have to play your piano piece next week to your tutor or have your garden tidy for your BBQ next week, can really put the wind in your sails

  • Enjoy the process - don't see the hard work and effort as a struggle, but as a process to immerse yourself in and enjoy

  • Prepare for slip-ups - it might rain the day you plan for your first walk, or the computer course is canceled on your first class, shrug it off and keep moving forward.

Educate -Wobbly Wednesday

We have a theme for each day focusing on balance, strength, flexibility, and co-ordination. Click the button to do the exercises together. The exercises take as long as it takes for your kettle to boil. Do them each time you make yourself a cuppa and you will already have done a third of your exercise for the day if you boil the kettle 4 times.

How to set goals and stick to them
How to set goals and stick to them

Let’s move together

Wednesday's exercises focus on balance reactions to help prevent falls. Keeping your balance tip top is a learned skill and takes practice - Give these a go.

Motivate - Fishing

We all need some inspiration to keep us motivated. When was the last time you considered fishing? Fishing can be a solitary activity or one enjoyed with friends. It can be slow-paced and gives you time to be out in nature. Those who fish regularly find it can give them a sense of peace and stillness and time to think. This can be a great stress reliever and all the fresh air also can help you sleep well that night. Fishing involves walking to the venue, hand-eye coordination, balance, and patience. It also takes some planning and skill so if you are new to the activity, you may need a few pointers to get the best out of your first session.

How to set goals and stick to them

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If you want to consider fishing but don't know where to start then click the link below to set you in the right direction

Celebrity Fisherman

Ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman agrees that fishing can be beneficial to your health, particularly your mental health. In a recent study by the Angling Trust, 86% of anglers felt that fishing positively impacted their mental health which can range from anxiety to dealing with addiction or stress disorders. Click the link to read the whole article

A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work

Anon

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