How Can I Stay Focused on My Healthy Nutrition Goals?

Are your goals S.M.A.R.T. goals?

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Realisitc
Time-bound 

Specific: A specific goal has a much greater chance of being accomplished than a general goal. 

EXAMPLE:  A general goal would be, “Get in shape.” But a specific goal would say, “I will eat a healthy breakfast every day” or "I will make the best possible choice available for my health and performance"

Measurable - Establish concrete criteria for measuring progress toward the attainment of each goal you set.

When you measure your progress, you stay on track and experience the exhilaration of achievement that spurs you on to continued effort required to reach your goal.

To determine if your goal is measurable, ask questions such as……

How many times per day will I eat?

How many "cheat meals" or treats will I allow myself this week?

How many servings of vegetables will I consume each day?

How much water will I drink each day?

How will I know when it is accomplished?

Attainable – When you identify goals that are most important to you, you begin to figure out ways you can make them come true. You develop the attitudes, abilities and skills to reach them. You begin seeing previously overlooked opportunities to bring yourself closer to the achievement of your goals.

You can attain most any goal you set when you plan your steps wisely and establish a time frame that allows you to carry out those steps. When you list your goals you build your self-image. You see yourself as worthy of these goals, and develop the traits and personality that allow you to possess them.

Realistic- To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work. A goal can be both high and realistic; you are the only one who can decide just how high your goal should be. But be sure that every goal represents substantial progress.

Timely – A goal should be grounded within a time frame. With no time frame tied to it there’s no sense of urgency. If you want to lose 10 lbs, when do you want to lose it by? “Someday” won’t work. But if you anchor it within a timeframe, “by May 1st”, then you’ve set your unconscious mind into motion to begin working on the goal.

Your goal is probably realistic if you truly believe that it can be accomplished.

If not, then rework your goals.

Answer originally appeared on ShareCare with Dr. Oz.