Let’s get real about New Year’s resolutions. How many times have you found yourself making resolutions for the year ahead, and then something happens and you can’t stay consistent. Often, it can feel like a setup for failure, right? We dive in with all the enthusiasm, only to burn out by mid-February. This is why we don’t actually recommend making resolutions at all. Hear us out – in 2025, let’s skip the resolutions and set SMART goals instead. Imagine goals that are clear, achievable, and designed to make us feel successful rather than defeated. SMART goals are a well-studied method to setting us up for success, and together, with accountability and determination – we are going to help you finally achieve those health goals you make every year.
So, what exactly are SMART goals, and why do they work better than broad resolutions? SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. They provide structure and clarity, which is just what we need to make real changes stick.
Let’s walk through how this approach can help us tackle common health goals in a way that feels motivating and doable.
S: Be Specific with what you want to achieve
It’s tempting to go with the classic “I want to be healthier,” but what does that mean? When we’re vague, it’s hard to know if we’re making progress. Instead, get clear on what “healthier” looks like for you. Do you want to eat more nutritious meals? Move your body daily? Manage stress better?
Here’s some sample ideas for making “specific” goals:
“I want to go for a 20-minute walk every day to boost my energy, balance my blood sugar and enhance my mood.”
“I will eat 6 servings of vegetables every day to increase my micronutrient intake & reach my fibre goals”
“I will purchase my supplements in advance and set them out before bed each night so I remember to take them in the morning”
By being specific, you know exactly what you’re committing to, making it easier to work into your life.
M: Make it Measurable
A goal without a way to measure it is like a recipe without measurements, it’s hard to know if you’re getting it right. Think of ways to track your progress so you can see how far you’ve come and feel motivated to keep going.
Example Goals:
“I will track my 20-minute walks each week and aim for five walks out of seven.”
“I will make my grocery list each sunday so that I can prepare ahead of time to ensure I have veggies ready to eat at all times.”
“I will get my blood work done and check in with my health care providers to ensure I am on track.”
By measuring it, you’re setting a target and can celebrate when you hit it (or adjust if you don’t).
A: Keep it Achievable (and realistic)
We often set the bar way too high, which is the quickest route to feeling overwhelmed. Start with something realistic based on where you are now. The aim is progress, not perfection!
Example Goals:
“I’ll start with 10-minute walks if 20 feels too much, and work up as I feel ready.”
“I will check out coupons to find which grocery store has produce on sale, or I’ll opt for frozen in case I don’t make it to the grocery store that Sunday and need a backup supply”
“I will make sure I narrow down my supplement intake to only what is necessary, or I’ll opt for blends of nutrients like Papillex, Simplix and a good multivitamin to save time and money”
This flexibility makes your goals feel within reach and keeps you moving forward without the stress.
R – Make it relevant to your life
Your goals should fit into your life, supporting things you care about. Why do you want to achieve this goal? Connecting with the why can be super motivating, especially on tough days.
Example Goals:
“Walking daily will help me feel more energized and reduce stress, which are my priorities for 2025.”
“Eating 6 servings of veggies keeps my bowels regular, my weight steady and my body energized.”
“Taking the right supplements for my health and goals quickens my progress and makes me feel healthier, stronger and results in better lab results”
This reminder of why the goal matters makes it easier to stay committed, even when life gets busy.
T – Set a Time Frame
Without a deadline, goals can stretch on endlessly, and we lose that sense of urgency. When you have a time frame, you can celebrate your progress at regular intervals, keeping up the momentum.
Example Goals:
“I’ll track my walks for the first three months of 2025 and re-evaluate how I feel by April.”
“I will eat 6 servings of veggies per day for three months and then increase slowly by April”
“I will do labwork and check in with my naturopathic doctor for a detailed assessment of my health every 3-6 months to ensure I am on the right track”
Setting a time-bound goal doesn’t mean you’ll stop when the time’s up; it just gives you a checkpoint to see what’s working and where you might want to adjust.
Why this approach works
Unlike broad resolutions, SMART goals help us stay focused and motivated, allowing us to celebrate small wins along the way. With a clear roadmap, we feel empowered to make lasting changes instead of stressing over unattainable ideals.
In 2025, let’s set ourselves up for success by creating goals that are designed for our real lives, not for some mythical “perfect” version of us. Let’s focus on creating habits that make us feel empowered, happy, and healthy all year long.
My favorite quote isn’t “practice makes perfect”, but rather “practice makes intentional progress”. Here’s to making 2025 our best year yet, with your personal SMART goals guiding the way!
