1. First off we need to understand our why, what is motivating us to set our goal? Is it a sense of accomplishment, building some confidence or improving our health? Once you know what’s firing you up it’s time to start thinking about specific things that would make your goal a reality.

2. Set out a plan that excites you. If it’s a plan that you can’t buy into or you’re not excited about the chances are you won’t see it through. For example, if your goal is to get fitter, try and pick a physical activity that you actually enjoy. If you hate the gym and tell yourself you are going to go 3 times a week it’s unlikely you’ll stick with it. However, if you LOVE dancing and can commit to a dance class a week you are far more likely to stay the course.

3. Make it a S.M.A.R.T goal, meaning:
Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Time-Bound
Be strategic by breaking your goal down into manageable chunks. For example, if you have a goal to lose 2 stone, what does that look like week on week and how are you going to get there? Which days are you going to schedule exercise, how many steps can you do each day, what are you going to eat for breakfast etc. So you see a bigger goal needs to be broken down into daily achievable habits.

4. Recognise your achievement when you reach your goal! That may be with a new pair of shoes to go dancing in or it could be as simple as telling yourself ‘great work, look what you did!’

So the 4 steps are understand your why, set a plan that gets you excited, be specific and break it down and finally acknowledge your achievements.