Want to set SMARTER goals? Then you can’t go past renowned body builder, Tom Venuto’s SMARTER goal tips. Here’s a brief summary.

1. Specific.

Set goals with clarity. If you say your goal is to lose weight and then you lose one pound, then you’ve reached your goal. Is that what you really wanted? Be specific.

2. Measurable.

Set goals that can be quantified in measurable units such as money saved, kgs lost, etc.

Performance goals can include strength and repetitions completed.

3. Accountable.

Set goals you can be held accountable to.

First be accountable to yourself by using a weekly progress chart, a daily nutrition diary and a training journal.

Submit your results and journals to someone else who will hold you to your commitments

4. Realistic. ”

If your goals are unrealistic, you might feel deprived and find yourself reaching for that cigarette or biscuit,” says psychologist Stephanie Lagos.

To avoid sabotaging, set goals that are attainable and maintainable.

5. Time Bound.

Set goals with deadlines as time limits are highly motivating. For example, a 12 week deadline to see change in weight and body composition.

6. Emotional.

Goals give you a direction, but strong emotions are the propulsion system that drives you in that direction.

Build up a burning desire by focusing on the emotional reasons why you want to achieve your goal.

Connect your goals to your values. What’s most important to you about reaching your goal?

If you save x amount of money, what will that do for you?

7. Review often.

Resolutions fail because they are casually set once at the beginning of the year and easily forgotten.

Stay focused by writing and reading your goals every day. Repetition is one of the keys to re-programming your mental computer for success.

You can write your single most important goal on a small card and carry it with you everywhere you go, reading it several times a day.