Declaring My Goal

It's the third week of the new year and according to research, you've likely folded on at least one of your new year's resolutions. An info graphic developed by Betterment, an online investment company, shows that while 45 percent of Americans make promises for the new year, only about 8 percent actually achieve them.  Even worse, 25 percent don't make it past the first week. How's that for a 'Happy Monday' fun fact?

I recently met someone who had 50 resolutions for the new year.  While I commend that type of determination, I've chosen to go with quality over quantity in 2013.  While I'm not a fan of new year's resolutions per say, I do believe in on-going reflection and goal setting to become the best person you can be.  After much thought, I narrowed what could have easily turned into a long laundry list down to three SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timely.

Sure, I have big dreams for my future, but these three are the priorities; things that hands down, I must make tangible progress on this year. And if I'm honest with myself, some of them are are repeat offenders to the goal list.  But that's OK. The past is over and it's never too late to make a change! One of the things I appreciate most about my list is that I believe the realization of these goals will have positive ripple affects on almost every other area of my life.  Let's give it up for building a solid foundation!

I've obviously been pretty transparent about one of my goals through this blog: to improve my health & fitness. I'm not going to lie, loosing 25 pounds feels amazing!  I went to the gym this weekend and picked up a 25 pound weight.  That thing was heavy! I couldn't believe I used to carry that around. While I'm proud of myself, I refuse to get comfortable. It ain't over yet. But let's be honest: it never will be.  This is about lifestyle change.

I haven't been specific about a number, but I know you are curious. So here it goes:  I want to loose 25 pounds by May 16 (my bday).  Oh, and I want to feel comfortable in a two piece bathing suit this summer.  I'm thinking of it as a bday present to myself.

There, I said it.  I'm both empowered and terrified.  But I'm focused. Five pounds a month is totally doable, with discipline and hard work. Each day, I will move in the direction of this goal, sharing with you along the way. You have now officially been enlisted as my accountability partner. 

If you are making progress on your goals this year, keep up the good work!  If you slipped, don't be too hard on yourself--no one is perfect. The key is not to give up. Every day provides a new opportunity to prove the statistics wrong and be part of that 8 percent!

Let's go get it!