Set SMART Fitness Goals

Instead of setting a goal to lose weight and get fit, set a goal to lose 10 pounds by July of next year. This second statement is specific (lose weight), measurable (10 pounds), attainable (a weight loss of two pounds a month), relevant (I really want to do this) and time-bound (July of next year).

Another essential element of successful goal setting is writing down goals and measuring progress. The next critical skill involves tackling the goals and staying on track. I’ll save writing about that for another day. In fact, now that I think about it, I better put that writing assignment on my list!

Carole Carson, author of From Fat to Fit: Turn Yourself into a Weapon of Mass Reduction, serves as the coach for the AARP Fat to Fit online community.