S.M.A.R.T. Planning for Change
Now that you have reflected on your core values and some barriers to change, you are ready to start making a plan to change. Take a moment to refer back to your Anticancer Wheel of Life to identify which core value is most important to focus on right now.
Consider using what is known as the S-M-A-R-T or SMART goal framework to help you set realistic goals that will have a positive impact on your life:
- S=SPECIFIC
- Goals should be clear and easy to understand. Being specific will help you to define the goal and determine how to attain it.
- M=MEASURABLE
- Using numbers allows you to measure your success.
- A=ATTAINABLE
- It’s good to ‘shoot for the stars’, but be realistic about what you can accomplish. Likewise, a goal that is too easy may not be very motivating. Only you know your limits.
- R=RELEVANT
- Set goals that are important to where you are in your life right now. Don’t set a goal that someone else is pressuring you to attain. To maintain your motivation, the goal needs to be important to you.
- T=TIME-BOUND
- Include an end-point. Knowing that you have a deadline will motivate you to get started.
Remember that goals do not have to be an all-or-nothing effort. In fact, many people find that an all-or-nothing mentality is a recipe for failure. Many small steps taken over time can get you to the same spot as a few huge leaps.
Using the SMART framework to set goals that align to the core values in your Anticancer Wheel of Life will give you a great start.