The new year is here, and it’s a great time to look at your current lifestyle and think of ways to improve your health! Setting health goals is an important part of living a healthy life. Having achievable goals can help keep you motivated and on track to reach your desired results. Here are some helpful tips for setting meaningful health goals for 2023.

1. Be realistic

When thinking about your goals, keep in mind how easily achievable they may be. If you set goals that are too difficult to meet, you will most likely become frustrated and give up before seeing any progress.

2. Set milestones

A great way to keep your goals realistic is to set smaller, achievable milestones throughout the year. These smaller goals will help you stay on track to reaching your overall goal and allow you to see your progress as you work towards the finish line. For example, if you want to exercise more this year, try setting a smaller goal of doing some kind of physical activity for at least 30 minutes three times a week. Once you have reached that goal and feel confident you can build on it, you can introduce a new milestone to work towards.

3. Create a plan

Creating a plan to reach your goals can help you visualize a path to success. Your plan can outline the steps to achieve your goal and include details of how you can take these steps. Using the goal of getting more exercise, think of all the ways you can be more active during the day and when the best time for you to be active will be. You can always change your plan once you begin working towards your goal.

4. Track your progress

Tracking your progress toward your goals is a great way to stay motivated. No matter your health goal, there are many ways to keep track of how far you have come, including apps on your phone, journaling or taking photos when you reach milestones.

5. Get support

Working towards a goal is hard and can be more challenging if you do not have a support system. When setting a new goal, share it with a friend or family member. They can act as an accountability partner or someone you go to when you feel unmotivated or down about your goal. Seeking help from your medical provider or speaking with a behavioral health consultant are two great ways to get support, track your progress and find new ways to reach your goals!

Use the SMART goal method

Ask yourself these SMART questions when setting goals:

Specific: Is your goal clear?

Measurable: Can you measure your progress?

Achievable: Will it be possible to reach your goal given your circumstances?

Relevant: Why are you setting this goal?

Timely: Does your goal have an end point?

Using the SMART goal method can help you stay focused and motivated while you work to acheiving your goal!

Now that you have read these tips on setting and reaching your new year’s health goals, it’s time to put them into action! If you need help starting down the path of good health or need support while working towards your health goals, schedule an appointment with your HealthLinc provider! We are here to help you stay accountable, motivated and healthy.

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