Talk it out Tuesday!

How to Stay Motivated!

• Set SMART goals!
  • Specific
    • Bad Example: Eat healthier.
    • Good Example: Limit sugary drinks to once a week and drink water the rest of the week.
  • Measurable:
    • Bad Example: Work out more and gain a better mile time.
    • Good Example: Run three times a week and be able to run the mile under 9 minutes within two months.
  • Attainable
    • Bad Example: Quit smoking overnight.
    • Good Example: Cut down on cigarettes every week until you can completely quit.
  • Realistic
    • Bad Example: Lose 30 pounds in a week.
    • Good Example: Lose 1-2 pounds a week.
  • Timely
    • Bad Example: Get into graduate school.
    • Good Example: Complete bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science by 2017 and apply for graduate school by fall of senior year. Check progress at the end of each semester.
• Short-term vs. Long-term goals!
  • Create long-term goals with a big picture in mind and then create short-term goals to help monitor progress.
• Create a To-Do List!
  • You know yourself better than anyone else. Maybe you need to make a list every day or once a week. Write next to the item a time to have it accomplished by and stick to it. Set a time to have it all finished by.
• Stay Organized!
  • Keep your desk cleaned off. This way when you are working or studying that is all you have to focus on.
  • Keep a schedule and write down everything. This way you will not miss anything important.
  • Keep a meal plan. This will open up some free time, where normally you would be sitting there wondering what to cook. Instead you can plan out your meals for the week and already have the ingredients prepared for when it comes time to cook.
• Reward Yourself!
  • When you reach one of your goals whether short-term or long-term reward yourself. Go out to a movie, have a pizza night with friends, or even just a relaxing night to yourself.