3 Great Goals To Have For 2014 & How To Achieve Them

It’s that time of the season where many reflect on their year and create new goals to accomplish for the next one. Below are some common goals with a few tips on how to reach them in 2014! Making them SMART goals can help you with success. ‘Smart’ stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

1.)    Be More Active

Problem: This goal, while fantastic, is far too general

Solution: Make sure your goal is more specific.

Mapping out a strategy on how exactly you will be more active will help! If this means, you’ll join The Pulse and hit the treadmill twice a week, then cool! If this means you’re going to join in on a fitness class three times a week, join an intramural team, or start with a recreation program, then do it! Writing these things down can also help when you're planning out your week. 

2.)    Give Back To The Community

Problem: With all the options out there, it can be hard to choose

Solution: Find something you’re passionate about and go with it. Make it realistic & attainable.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved in your community, then now is the time! Given all the organizations out there and time commitment challenges, volunteering your time can sometimes be difficult.

McMaster Athletes Care  is a very flexible way to give back while keeping your schedule in check. Whether you’re looking to volunteer your time once a week, once a month, or once a year, McMaster Athletes Care has something for everyone!

Being an athlete isn't necessary either. If you have an interest in sport, or healthy living, you can help out in a variety of ways, big or small. 

Rebecca Babcock who runs the MAC programs, said that finding something you like to do is key. For more information on how you can get involved, you can email babcocr@mcmaster.ca, or check them out on their Facebook Page. 

  

3.)    Eat Clean

Problem: Once again, fantastic goal, but too general. Also, how will you measure your progress?

Solution: Make your goal more specific and measurable.

Eating clean is a great goal to have, however, just as it stands, this goal is too general and hard to measure. Mapping out what you’ll be eating for the week can help you stay on track. To add some fun in the mix, perhaps think about choosing a new vegetable or recipe to try each week!

One way you may want to measure your progress is by tracking how you feel based on what you've been eating. If you find you have more energy, that could be a great indicator of your progress! 

If you have questions about nutrition, The Sports Medicine Centre will now be offering nutrition consults with their holistic nutritionist, Dianna Moulden. 

But overall, whatever your resolution is, ensure you have a plan of action! As the age old saying goes, those who fail to plan, plan to fail!