{"id":18146,"date":"2022-12-29T05:04:45","date_gmt":"2022-12-29T10:04:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abccliniquesante.com\/uncategorized\/comment-se-fixer-des-objectifs-realistes\/"},"modified":"2025-08-21T10:53:32","modified_gmt":"2025-08-21T14:53:32","slug":"comment-se-fixer-des-objectifs-realistes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/abccliniquesante.com\/en\/physical-training\/comment-se-fixer-des-objectifs-realistes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to set realistic goals?"},"content":{"rendered":"

On the occasion of the new year, have you thought about your resolutions?<\/p>\n

You anticipate new projects coming up, what do you plan to do this year, and then it comes to your mind, “What would I like to change as a lifestyle habit?<\/em>“. After thinking about it carefully, you come to the conclusion: I wish…<\/em><\/p>\n

You have found your goal but\u2026 where to start?<\/p>\n

THE ACRONYM SMART<\/strong><\/p>\n

Method based on project management principles among others, these letters not only allow you to establish an objective according to specific criteria, but they also lead you to build a concise, realistic and achievable objective, in order to keep you oriented in your Steps. This allows you not only to focus on what you want to change, but also to define how you will achieve your objective in a concrete way.<\/p>\n

More than simple letters after all!<\/p>\n

S<\/strong><\/span>pecific
\nM<\/strong><\/span>easurable
\nA<\/strong><\/span>chievable
\nR<\/strong><\/span>ealistic
\nT<\/strong><\/span>ime-bound<\/p>\n

Try the following exercise: Start by choosing an aspect that you would like to change in a habit (food, lifestyle\u2026), you can practice by asking yourself: I would like to\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n

Example: I would like to increase my vegetable intake.<\/strong><\/p>\n

S (SPECIFIC)
\n<\/strong><\/span>Next, specify your goal further. The more detail you provide, the more you will be able to track progress and measure your success over time.<\/p>\n

Ask yourself questions, how will you achieve this goal? When are you going to start it? What concrete actions will you take to achieve this objective? Eating more vegetables is your starting point, but you have to define the specific actions that will be taken to make it happen.
\nExample: I am going to include an extra serving of vegetables at dinners.<\/p>\n

M (MEASURABLE)
\n<\/span><\/strong>A goal is more concrete when it is measurable in order to track it over time, it is especially more encouraging when you are able to track your progress too! Let\u2019s take the example again: I would like to increase my vegetable consumption. I plan to include an extra serving of vegetables with dinners.<\/p>\n

The objective is specified, but is not measurable over time. By adding a measurement defined by numbers, this also allows you to establish a frequency for your goal.
\nExample: I would like to increase my vegetable intake. I plan to include one more serving of vegetables with dinners. I plan to include \u00bd cup more vegetables with dinners 3 times a week.<\/p>\n

A (ACHIEVABLE)
\n<\/strong><\/span>Set achievable goals that are action-driven rather than thought-driven, because it’s important to be able to control and change your goal based on your behaviors and not based on your feelings. This will make it more attainable.
\nExample: I would like to reduce my craving for dessert or sweets.<\/p>\n

This goal would be very difficult to achieve! Rather than focusing on a feeling you want to diminish towards foods such as desserts or sweets (negative reinforcement), instead direct your focus to the action you plan to take as a result (positive reinforcement).<\/p>\n

Example: Rather than eating dessert after every dinner, I could replace it with fruit and yogurt 5 times a week.<\/p>\n

R (REALISTIC)
\n<\/strong><\/span>Remember that you are the person who knows you best! You are the best person to recognize your own limits as well as your abilities. Be realistic in your goals.<\/p>\n

Is this an action that seems possible for you? The objective must be a result that you think you can achieve, because it is by having confidence in the preparation that it will only continue to increase over the course of your approach and thus lead to your long-term success.
\nExample 1: I would like to stop eating at restaurants every lunchtime, I will bring myself a homemade lunch every day. \u00bb<\/p>\n

If you’ve never cooked your own dinner on a daily basis, it can be hard to envision this overnight! Think of a step that would be more feasible for you.<\/p>\n

Example 2: I will bring myself a homemade lunch 3 times a week at work.<\/p>\n

T (TIME-BOUND)
\n<\/strong><\/span>Finally, your goal should be defined in time where you set a target period or date that will mark the achievement of your goal. This time limit will help you focus your efforts to work towards your goal and keep you motivated.<\/p>\n

A goal lasting a week to a month could be a good starting point, for example.<\/p>\n

Example: I will bring a homemade lunch three times a week to work for a month.<\/p>\n

——————————–<\/p>\n

Remember that it is important to see physical activity and healthy eating as a pleasure and not a chore. Choose goals that will appeal to you and stimulate you. Start the year off on the right foot by setting structured goals! When you set a goal, the key to success is to break it down into several subcategories by following the acronym SMART.<\/p>\n

Would you like to change your eating habits and acquire healthy lifestyle habits, both in terms of food and physical activity, but you don’t know where to start? Do not hesitate to consult our health professionals, nutritionists and kinesiologists at ABC Health Clinic to guide you and help you in your approach!<\/p>\n

Last but not least, we wish you a Happy New Year!<\/p>\n

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Visit the clinic nearest you:<\/p>\n