Immediately, If Not Sooner ...

A healthier—happier—life can be yours. On your own terms. Without unattainable resolutions and short-term gimmicks. Instead, this is the year, you’re getting real about long-term health, fitness, and wellness goals.

You’re making changes that will last and creating habits that’ll live well beyond January. So, how do you get started? You create goals that stick.

GOAL DOESN’T HAVE TO BE A FOUR-LETTER WORD

It should be a five-letter word…S.M.A.R.T.! SMART goals are goals that are:

• Specific – Make your goals unambiguous. Think about including why they’re important, who’s involved, and what you’ll be working for.
• Measurable – Set some quantitative criteria for evaluating the progress of your goal.
• Attainable -- Goals that can’t be achieved are probably goals that won’t be reached.
• Relevant – Ask yourself if your goal really will make a difference to your life or the lifestyle of your family.
• Time-bound – Mark your calendar, because this is the day you’re going to celebrate!

Crush your New Year’s resolutions by setting SMART goals. And, of course, by kicking the following—unsuccessful—goals to the curb.

GOAL #5 TO DITCH: STEPPING ON THE SCALE EVERY DAY

TRY: LET YOUR COMFORT BE YOUR GUIDE

Check you out in your skinny jeans! You rock.

That daily up and down of a couple of pounds is completely normal. Stepping on the scale every day can create unrealistic expectations when it comes to that number, possibly leaving you feeling defeated. Weighing yourself once a week and keeping in touch with how well your clothes fit—it’s easy to tell when your fave jeans are feeling a bit…tight—will have you feeling like a goal getter in no time.

GOAL #4 TO DITCH: COUNTING EACH CALORIE

Try: A whole foods nutrition plan

Focus on a whole foods nutrition plan with lots of fresh fruits and veggies; lean protein like turkey, eggs, and fish; and whole grains— you know, the foods usually located on the outsides of the supermarket. And, of course, stay away from pre-packaged and processed foods.

When you eat in this manner, you’ll be less focused on calorie counts and focused on the nutrition your body needs to achieve peak energy levels.

GOAL #3 TO DITCH: A TOO STRENUOUS EXERCISE REGIMEN

Try: Realistic exercise plans you can sustain

Fitness may be your jam, now, but has it always been? If you’re new to this whole workout thing, take it at your own pace—which probably isn’t the same as your friend who runs marathons or your neighbor who lifts, like every day.

Start with the recommended 30 minutes a day, five days per week. Go for a jog. Take a walk. Play soccer with the kiddos at the park. The more you like what you’re doing, the better chances you’ll stick with it!

GOAL #2 TO DITCH: OBSESSING OVER FITNESS INFLUENCERS

Try: Focusing on YOUr awesome self

Speaking of spending a LOT of time working out…fitness influencers on Instagram, YouTube, and Pinterest have made a career—or at least a pretty intense hobby—out of living a healthy lifestyle. Check out their messages for guidance and tips. Let them inspire you. Then, do you.

Live your healthy life, whatever that may mean. Celebrate your milestones. And, your regular days. Celebrate having five M&M’s (instead of the whole bag). Celebrate walking around the block twice (instead of once).

GOAL #1 TO DITCH: MAKING WEIGHT-LOSS RESOLUTIONS (ESPECIALLY AT NEW YEARS)

Try: A year-round health plan

Start with the inside, and work your way out. Foundational health is more achievable and, frankly, more sustainable. Explore your gut health and how it’s affecting your overall wellness.

Use January to reignite your passion for overall health, set some new goals, and create better habits. Use the rest of the year to live your healthiest—and happiest—life. Work the inside and you’ll see changes outside.