Goal setting
Setting goals is an important part of helping you become more independent in managing your health. Goal setting is spoken about a lot but it really does help. When we have a clear picture of what we want to achieve, our goals become powerful and meaningful, touching on many areas of our lives like health, personal, career and more. Having a specific goal to work towards can help to focus us when motivation is low. While some goals might be personal, it’s also okay to share them with others to get support and assistance as you work towards them.
As you work with your health professionals and parents/guardians to set goals, it might be helpful to think about the following:
- What information do I need to reach my goals?
- What steps do I need to take to reach my goals?
- What problems might I face when trying to reach my goals? What could make it difficult?
- Who can I ask for help to succeed?
- What can I start doing tomorrow to work toward my goals?
Setting “SMART” goals can also be helpful. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This means your goals should be:
- Specific: Clearly define what you’re aiming for.
- Measurable: Track your progress and see how far you’ve come.
- Achievable: Dream big, but keep it realistic.
- Relevant: Focus on what truly matters to you.
- Time-bound: Set a deadline to keep yourself motivated and on track.
By following the SMART method, you’ll find it easier to stay focused and reach your goals!
Check out these links for more on goal setting:
Motivation
Sticking to your goals can be tough. Motivation comes and goes, and even if you start off feeling really motivated, there will be times when it drops off. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:
- Get into a Routine
- Prepare for Obstacles
- Understand what motivates you
- Make being active more rewarding
Having regular routines and habits makes it easier to make healthy choices, even when you’re not feeling super motivated.
There will be days when you’re short on time or just not feeling it. Think about what might get in your way and plan how to deal with those challenges.
When motivation dips, remind yourself why your goal is important. Ask yourself, “What do I value most? How will reaching my goal help me sustain that?”
Pair your activity with things you love. Listen to your favorite music, podcast, or audiobook while you’re active.
Plan activities with friends. It makes it more fun and keeps you accountable.
Regularly look back at how far you’ve come. This is a powerful way to stay motivated because it helps you see your achievements and how you feel along the way.