With the holidays upon us, it’s easy to get caught up in the frenzy– of shopping, celebrating, and enjoying special treats. New Year’s resolutions may be just around the corner, but for now, we just want to eat, drink, and be merry.

Setting goals is a powerful way for individuals to take charge of their health no matter what the season. At Free & Clear we encourage our participants to think of goals as their roadmap – goals help them find the most direct route to where they want to go. Without goals, they may end up taking the scenic route – nice for a road trip, but frustrating when it comes to becoming more active, losing weight, or quitting tobacco.

No matter what health behaviors a person is ready to change, she can boost the odds of success by developing written S.M.A.R.T. goals:

• Specific – detailed, not broad
• Measurable – can be assessed by pre-determined criteria
• Achievable – can be accomplished, given an individual’s life circumstances
• Realistic – practical and recommended by most experts
• Timed – has an endpoint in order to ensure accountability

I’d like to lose 5 pounds - a reasonable goal, but it’s not a S.M.A.R.T. goal.  S.M.A.R.T. goals focus on actions – in this example, the behaviors that will lead to weight loss.

My S.M.A.R.T. goals could look like this, depending on what behaviors I need to change:

1. I will increase my daily fruit & veggie servings from 4 a day to 5 a day on 4 days this week.
2. I will walk for 30 minutes, at a moderate pace, 4 times this week.
3. This week, each time I feel stressed, I will take a walking or stretching break instead of reaching for holiday cookies.

When a participant develops S.M.A.R.T. goals, she is creating an action plan to achieve a better level of health. It’s a way to prepare for the journey ahead - like making sure her tires are properly inflated and she’s got plenty of radiator fluid for holiday travel.

Before heading down the road of behavior change, participants need to set themselves up for success. And so should you. Do you have a roadmap this holiday season? Remember – you don’t have to wait until New Year’s to take action and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. As they say, there’s no time like the present.