The SMART approach to health and wellness goal setting from a functional medicine perspective

One effective framework for setting such goals is the SMART criteria.

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound

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But what does this mean?

Specific: Goals should be clear and well-defined. Instead of setting a vague goal like "improve health," specify what aspect of health you want to focus on. For example, "reduce inflammation levels" or "improve gut health" are more specific goals that provide clarity and direction.

Measurable: It's essential to have a way to track progress and measure success. Incorporate quantifiable metrics into your goals whenever possible. For instance, rather than simply aiming to "eat healthier," set a goal like "consume at least five servings of vegetables per day" or "reduce sugar intake to less than 25 grams per day."

Achievable: Goals should be realistic and attainable. Consider the resources, time, and effort required to accomplish them. Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and burnout. Start with small, manageable steps and gradually increase the challenge as you progress.

Relevant: Goals should align with your values, priorities, and overall health objectives. They should also be relevant to your specific health concerns and conditions. For instance, if you're managing autoimmune issues, your goals might focus on reducing inflammation and supporting immune function.

Time-bound: Setting deadlines creates a sense of urgency and helps prevent procrastination. Establishing a timeframe for achieving your goals also allows you to track progress more effectively. Whether it's a weekly, monthly, or quarterly time frame, having a clear endpoint can boost motivation and keep you accountable.

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By applying the SMART to goal setting, you can enhance your chances of success in your health journey.

Remember to regularly review and adjust your goals as needed, staying flexible and responsive to feedback and progress.
‍SMART goal setting is a powerful tool used by our functional medicine practitioners seeking to facilitate positive health outcomes for their clients.

By setting Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals, you can create a roadmap for success that leads to long-lasting improvements in health and well-being.You can hear our functional medicine practitioners advice on goal setting in our webinar, where they describe goal setting using specific real life examples and answer your questions.

You can start setting your own SMART goals using our two smart goal-setting worksheets Readiness For Change and Goal Setting for Behaviour Change. Which you can print out to help you stay accountable.

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Watch the full webinar here...