smart

set smart goals. i was sitting in relief society today and i heard an acronym i have never seen used before. i'm going to share it with you, outlining the rules of goal making. i'm going to expand on these rules, by giving examples of improving the new years resolution that weighs heavy on everyone's mind this time of year; fitness. so without further adoo, the rules.

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Time

S. Rule 1.
when you make goals, make them specific. don't just say to yourself, ok, i'm going to exercise more this year. if you didnt exercise at all last year, you can justify exercising just once and calling it quits.. not an option. (not saying that anyone would do that, because that's simply ridiculous) sit down and have a chat with yourself and make a schedule. pick a day, a time, and a length.
I'm going to work out on mondays at 9 am for 30 minutes.

M. Rule 2.
i think this is the rule most often forgotten when it comes to goal setting. remember to make your goals measurable. set points in the year, perhaps monthly or semi-weekly to check up on yourself. how am i doing with my workout? can i handle the pace i'm at? can i go at a faster pace?
I am going to re-evaluate my work out schedule every two weeks, and adjust accordingly.

A. Rule 3.
rule three 3 hand in hand with rule 2, even though its more of a reminder than a rule.... when setting your goal, don't get too caught up in the "you can do anything you put your mind to" thing. now im not saying that quote rings false, you definitely can do anything you set your mind to, but how far are you willing to push yourself? only you know. i find that once you get going on something you really want to do, your attitudes and actions change.
I will remember to stay positive and not give up if something gets in a way.

R. Rule 4.
don't get cocky and set unrealistic goals. telling yourself that you're gonna be a spitting image of arnold schwarzenegger by christmas, and starting off like peewee herman, is not realistic. this also relates to rule 2, in that you may just have to readjust your goals as time goes on. and that brings us to rule 5.
I will try my hardest and get toned for beach weather, (not i will have a killer six pack in three months... unless of course you're already well on your way)

T. Rule 5.
every good goal takes time. you can't just wake up one morning and expect to look like a million and two buck , you have to take your time, and work hard at it. don't let yourself get flustered if for some reason it takes longer than you expected. thats ok. as long as you were working your hardest, as far as i'm concerned, you achieved your goal!!

and i'm going to add one more thing.
Friends. if this goal is something like fitness, or getting over an addiction, or finishing school, everything is easier when you have someone to support you. if you fall short and wanna give up, you'll have your friend to tell you not to give up, and vice versa.

so friends, that's it for today, get goin on those goals!! :)
later!! :)