Goal setting

Why is goal setting so important?

Having a goal to work towards will help you build confidence, keep focussed and help you to make positive changes.

The S.M.A.R.T goals method will help you to set goals that are achievable for you.

Let’s look at what S.M.A.R.T means….

‘S’ stands for specific. What would you like to happen? What would you like to accomplish?
‘M’ stands for measurable. How will you track your goal? How will you know when you have achieved it? Who will help you?
‘A’ stands for achievable. Is there anything to stop you from achieving your goal? Have you got enough time?
‘R’ stands for realistic. Why is this goal important to you? Why do you want to do this?
‘T’ stands for time. When will you achieve your goal by? How long will it take for you to achieve your goal?

Goals can help you make better decisions. Keep setting small goals each week as a family. Lots of small changes add up to help you achieve long term goals.
Keeping a food and activity diary can help you identify new goals and help you check on goals you have already set.
Having an organised routine at home helps reduce stress and anxiety. Plan your family’s meals and snacks in advance and make a shopping list based on these. Keep a family planner for everyone’s activities. Each week build in time for activity for everyone.
Don’t forget breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Plan ahead. Set the alarm clock 10 minutes earlier so everyone has time for breakfast. Be prepared the night before – have school bags packed and uniform ready so there is time to eat.
Build time into your routine to have fun together as a family. We all have busy lives, and the importance of spending quality time together is often forgotten. Make meals family time and talk to each other. Try to do some activity together – go to the park, on a bike ride or just dance around the house. Having fun helps build resilience and helps us cope if things get tough.
Making family lifestyle changes is hard and it can feel a bit like a roller coaster at times. Just remember you are never alone. Ask family and friends to support you in making the changes.