Cheri’s Connection Corner - SMART GOALS & Health Journey Part 1

First I would like to thank SunshineAlwaysGrateful for contributing and giving us some awesome topics to ponder.

Do you have SMART goals between now and December 2023?

I don't really want to lose weight, I want to lose inches around my waistline. This requires me to balance my diet and workouts. Workouts aren't a problem, I love to workout. I have a very hard time controlling what I eat. I like good food and eat out(or just eat in general) a lot more than I should. I always say "I work out so I can eat whatever I want". That attitude will not help me reach my goal lol. Evan if I eat what I feel is healthy at a restaurant, I'm sure its still not as healthy as if I prepared it myself at home. And we won't go into portion sizes. I tend to overeat. Anyway, back to the original question....My smart goal......

Specific - I would like to lose those unwanted inches from my mid section

Measurable- While I am not one to use a tape measure on myself, I will be able to see progress or lack there of based on my clothing. I'll also be using progress pictures- sounds silly, I know but they can be very helpful. You don't need to share them with anyone, just keep them tucked away for yourself. They helped my girlfriend tremendously in her weight loss journey. When you see where you started and where you are during the journey it does a lot for motivation and why you are doing what you are doing. Just my opinion.

Achievable-I've been chasing this goal of losing my gut for a number of years. I know in order to do this, my diet will need to be the first thing I change. I will have to go back to tracking my food intake. The tediousness of that is why I gave up on this goal in the first place. I start, make small progress, get tired of trying to track all my intake, or something happens, and I lose motivation. I know its achievable. I've made progress on it before and then just gave up. I just need to stick with it

Relevant- I want to do this for me. I don't NEED to do it, but I want to.

Time Bound-My time frame is by Christmas I would like to see some progress.

What are your goals for this fall?

Track my food intake

Cook healthy foods at home that work toward the above goal

Try not to eat out as much(this will be the hardest thing for me)

@SunShineAlwaysGrateful

@toughTiger6481

@SmilesEveryDay

@SunShineAlwaysGrateful

I am now "Following for Part Two" in December :)

@SunShineAlwaysGrateful

I used to teach classes on problem solving and improving processes / organizations. I always taught SMART goals as the way to improve almost any aspect of life or work. It sets more discipline to the process improvement than just saying “I want to be better”. I am glad people are sharing this wisdom with others. Thanks!

@SunShineAlwaysGrateful

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Do you have SMART goals between now and December 2023? What are your goals for this fall?

I have a list of SMART goals:

:: Vices ::

Specific - Quitting Alcohol & (Smoking) Marijuana

Measurable - Will be using a habit tracker app along with an agenda/planner.

Achievable - I have already quit alcohol and smoking marijuana since the new year, so I know I can do it. When I have an sort of urge, for the moment, I drink water instead or coffee (was going to give up caffeine, but for the moment, will not do that until I deal with these two vices first).
Relevant - I don't want to waste money on these vices, plus smoking and drinking alcohol is not good for my health.

Timebound - For the alcohol, going to see if I can go an entire year without it. For the weed, I will try to detox for 3-months and see how I feel after. I don't plan on smoking it, but may go back to edibles.

:: Health ::

Specific - Planning on eating in 4x out of the week to become more healthy.
Measurable - I like to take pictures of the meals I make for memories to see what recipes I have already done or revamped. I may also just use the agenda/planner as well for this.

Achievable - I have been cooking these past few days, so I know I can do it! Even when I'm suffering from chronic pain, I have decided to get meals that require less prep time (ex. scrambled eggs, chilaquiles, etc) so I can make a quick meal. Sometimes, it could be as simple as eating fruit or making extra and having leftovers to eat.

Relevant - I'm trying to turn my life around and eating healthier instead of eating processed foods. Eating junk food ultimately makes me feel bad...So, want to eat healthier while also saving money to go towards bigger goals.

Timebound - I heard it takes 3-months/90 days to build a habit, so I will do that.

Those are just a few goals I have. Hope everyone is doing well! :)