Achieving Better Health with SMART Goals
Managing diabetes can be challenging, but setting SMART goals can make a big difference. Using these insights can help you set and achieve these goals!
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART goals are:
Specific: Clear and precise.
Measurable: You can track your progress.
Attainable: Realistic and achievable.
Relevant: Important to your health.
Time-bound: Set within a specific time frame.
These goals help you take action with the support of your peers and health care team.
Why Are SMART Goals Important for Diabetes Management?
Managing diabetes involves balancing diet, exercise, and medication. SMART goals help you focus on key areas to improve your glucose control without added costs. For instance, increasing physical activity can lower health risks and costs. You set your own goals, and your health care team provides guidance and motivation.
Tips for Creating and Achieving SMART Goals
Find Support: Work with a health care coach and communicate openly with your health care team.
Set Realistic Goals: Avoid trying to achieve too much too quickly.
Identify Barriers: Recognize obstacles that might slow your progress.
Seek Support: Involve family and friends in your journey.
Communicate: Keep your health care provider informed about your goals.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Setting Unrealistic Goals: Start with small, manageable steps.
Ignoring Barriers: Plan for potential challenges and find ways to overcome them.
Lack of Communication: Share your goals with your health care team and support network.
Dr. Harris emphasizes the importance of understanding why you need to make a change and being confident in your ability to achieve your goals.
Tracking Your Progress
Tracking progress is essential for reaching your goals. You can use a notebook or a mobile app to monitor your small steps and celebrate your achievements along the way.
Dr. Harris's Personal Experience
Dr. Ronald Harris shares his own story of using SMART goals. After being diagnosed with prediabetes, he made changes to his diet and exercise routine with the support of his family.
"I started with a small step of avoiding bread, eating more salads, and investing in the time to assess my after-meal glucoses with a continuous glucose meter and begin an exercise program. I biked every day and found out through the use of my continuous glucose meter that I would tend to spike glucose after what I thought was a bowl of healthy cereal for breakfast. I switched my breakfast cereal from Kashi to a yogurt that was exclusively protein without carbohydrates and added at least 2-3 fruits with some granola with coffee and oat milk. Once I noted an improvement in my after-meal glucoses, I never weighed myself until 9 months later when I fell off my bike only 25 feet from my driveway related to a flat tire I was not aware of. I had lost 31 pounds and my A1C was 5.7 percent!"
Even after facing setbacks, he stayed focused and gradually increased his activity levels, ultimately achieving his health goals.
Overcoming Challenges
When faced with challenges, Dr. Harris stays focused on his long-term goals and relies on the support of his family.
"I am forward-thinking and very focused when I set my goals. I realize Rome was not built in a day. Having the support of my spouse of 48 years and my family truly makes all the difference in the world in determining whether a goal is worthwhile. Being in the health care field and having managed patients for over 40 years gives me a perspective of why I need to do what I have to do in order to be healthy for my family."
Takeaways
SMART goals can help you manage diabetes more effectively. Start by setting small, realistic goals, involve your support network, and track your progress. Remember, with determination and the right support, you can achieve your health goals just like Dr. Harris did.