A S.M.A.R.T. Way To Plan

From losing weight to eating better, many people are ready to think of something new for 2022. They are wondering what they do differently to live better, healthier lives. We love this kind of thinking. We also know that it can become overwhelming. How do you respond when you don’t meet your goal? 

The Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists challenge you to rethink your goal-setting method. It’s time to think S.M.A.R.T. Here’s what we mean:

S – Specific 

M – Measurable

A – Achievable 

R – Relevant

T – Time-bound

When setting goals, ask yourself if your goals meet the above requirements. If they do, you’re headed in the right direction. Many times we set goals that are without vision or resources. We may also lack a way to track progress to determine success. Even more, our goals can simply be unrealistic or lack relevance for our season of life. Lastly, our goals aren’t time-bound. In 6 months, can you finish this goal?

Here are three examples of smart goals for our podiatry patients:

I want to schedule my first podiatry appointment by the end of January. 

This goal is a great one. It is specific, and this goal is also easy to measure. Check your calendar or call the podiatry office to verify that you can cross this task off your list. You can start right now. Foot health is relevant to your overall health, and there is also a clear deadline.

I want to buy a new pair of running shoes before marathon training.

What do you want to accomplish? Before your first marathon training session, you want a new pair of properly fitting running shoes. There should be a specific day of your first training session, which provides a clear deadline. You can easily measure this by saying you have one new pair of shoes before training. As a runner, this goal is relevant to your lifestyle.

I want to stretch for 15 minutes each day during January. 

Perhaps you’re easing back into working out. Start with stretching. The goal listed above is simple and straight to the point. Bring out your calendar and set a clock. For each day in January, you’d like to stretch for 15 minutes. By the end of the month, you can see if you’ve met your goal. 

We’re ready to help you check some things off your list. We’re here for you in 2022.

With locations in Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County, Arizona, we have vast experience treating issues of the ankles and feet. Our team includes Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker, Dr. Peter C. Merrill, and Dr. Zeno Pfau. Our doctors offer the greatest in technologically advanced methods and cutting-edge medical treatments. Please call 520-575-0800 and make an appointment.