Point to Ponder

THE SMART WAY TO SET GOALS

S IS FOR SPECIFIC : For example, instead of setting a goal of " i want to lose weight", set yourself a specific goal like ' i want to lose five kilograms", if you want to climb Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia, start your research, set a date and train for peak climbing fitness.

M IS FOR MEASURABLE : Dont aim to " become healthy" or "less stressed"; instead, define a goal that can be measured while contributing to an improved eating, exercise or lifestyle plan. For exwmple, aim to go to the gym for an hour three times a week, to visit your grandma once a week for an evening meal, or to nibble on no more than 200grams of chocolate a week.

A IS FOR ACHIEVABLE : If you've never excercised in your life, dont aim to compete in the 2012 Olympics. Rather, buy yourself a pedometer and get walking with specific goal of so many steps a day. No need to aim for the stars - baby steps are good too!

R IS FOR RELEVANT : Many of us choose goals that seem right, but are in fact wrong. A few weeks down the track, the goals fail to inspire. Try to avoid making the same mistake - rather, choose goals that really " speak" to you.

T IS FOR TIME-CONSCIOUS : Finally, be very clear in your mind about how much time you are giving yourself to achieve the goal. That way, you know when you've succeeded, failed or whether you need to work harder to make the deadline.