Hopefully you’ve written down a life-purpose mission statement. Now it’s time to create some SMART goals that will help you succeed and fulfill those desires. SMART goals are —Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and have a Timeline.

Specific and Measurable mean the goal is something that can be checked off a list. Avoid vague generalities. For example, “I want to get in shape” is not an appropriate goal; you are in “shape” – but maybe not the shape you want to be in. “I will walk thirty minutes a day, five days a week” is a specific, measurable goal.

Attainable means the goals are challenging yet do-able. If you are fifty years old, 5′8″ and 200 pounds, don’t set a goal to become a size two. It is counterproductive to set yourself up for probable failure. Set goals that will stretch you a little—not too hard, but definitely not too easy!

Relevant goals are easier to plan if you have completed your mission statement. Make goals that serve your passion and purpose. Goals also need to be relevant to the current state of your health.

Establishing a Timeline for accomplishing goals keeps you motivated and focused. Even if you don’t meet your exact deadlines, at least you will be a lot closer. And, you can revise the dates if you need to. Just don’t give up.

Here is an example of a SMART goal: Increase water consumption to 100 ounces per day in 30 days.

• Week 1: 50 ounces a day
• Week 2: 65 ounces a day
• Week 3: 80 ounces a day
• Week 4: 100 ounces a day

While focusing on the intake of water, also try to eliminate the other less healthy beverages you previously consumed.

Visibility, Consistency, and Accountability provides three more supports for success.

Once your goals are written down, keep them where you can see them. Tape them to a mirror or on a refrigerator. Make several copies and keep them in different places such as your car, purse or wallet.

Be intentional with daily effort toward some aspect of reaching your goals. The key to success is consistency over the long haul.

Also try getting a fitness buddy! We all get a little extra push when we know someone is going to hold us accountable. Share your goals and make an appointment to talk over your progress.

Envision this year of your life as an opportunity to establish a long-term, lifestyle program that will hopefully enable the rest of your years to be all you dream they could be.

May the coming year - or month or day or hour or the next minute - be the beginning of reclaiming your health and energy!

Forget the die-its. Learn to LIVE-it!