Goal, Set, Match

Goal-setting advice collated from reputable websites.

1. Be specific. What do you want to achieve?"I want to do more exercises" is vague. "I want to do 30 minutes of walking a day" is precise - and measurable.
2. Go on the record. Writing down your goals helps imprint them on tour brain and shows your commitment to them. Place your list where you can see it as adaily remainder.
3. Start easy. If your aim is 30 minutes' walking a day, beginning with ten minutes each morning is a realistic and achievable small win. Building the habit every day over two weeks will boost your confidence momentum.
4. Divide and conquer. Arrange your list into short- and long-term goals, then break them down into steps. Set a completion date for each step.
5. Tell someone. Sharing your goals with your family or a "goal friend" will help keep you accountable and will ensure you don't lapse.
6. Reward yourself. Acknowledge your achievement of each step or the goal itself with a special treat.