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Setting goals helps you to identify where you are now compared to where you would like to be. It also helps you to set priorities and focus on specific goals so that you do not become overwhelmed. Long-term goals Set a goal over a longer period of time (e.g. 2 or 3 months) and then break it up in to smaller achievable steps, or short-term goals. For example: Long-term Goal: In 2 months time, I want to be able to walk for 20 minutes.
Short-term goalsThis week I will walk for 10 minutes on 3 days of the week. This month I wil attend the OASIS class "OA & Exercise" to learn strategies around exercising safely with osteoarthritis.
Make your goals SMARTA goal that is SMART is much easier to achieve.
A SMART Goal is:
- S - Specific
- M - Measureable
- A - Action based
- R - Realistic
- T - Timely
For example: "I'm going to exercise more" is NOT a SMART goal because there is no timeline attached and you are never able to say that the goal has been completed.
Instead, a SMART goal around exercise might look like this: "I am going to walk around the park for 10 minutes, 3 times this week". The goal outlines a specific activity within a specific amount of time.
Once you have finished, you can check it off your list and set a new goal for yourself!
Goal Setting Tips
- Write your goals down
- Share your goals with family and friends
- Review your goals regularly then set new SMART goals as you progress
- Have a back-up plan. For example, if you can't exercise outside, consider walking in a mall
- Reward yourself! Once you achieve your SMART goal, recognize that and give yourself small rewards.
Register for our "Steps to Success" class:
- Virtual small groups sessions for those who have attended two or more OASIS education sessions
- Get help setting goals and taking steps towards self-managing your osteoarthritis
- Chat with others who are managing osteoarthritis - come ready to participate in the group discussion!
- Register Here!
