It’s hard to believe that 2012 has flown by and 2013 is on the horizon! Time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished this past year and to focus on what our family and I would like to achieve in the new year. Is your list of accomplishments shorter than you’d like it to be? Let me share a tip on how to achieve your dreams for 2013.

Did you know that only 22 percent of people that make New Year?s resolutions actually follow through on their goals. So how do you become part of that successful group? The key is in creating a SMART goal that will keep you on track. What is a SMART goal, you ask?

S ? Specific: Be clear and unambiguous when setting your goal. Don?t leave room for guessing.

M ? Measurable: Set a goal that allows you measurement toward your goals progress.

A ? Attainable: Ask yourself, ?Is this realistic and attainable?? If not, back to the drawing board.

R ? Relevant: Create a goal with importance and meaning. Make sure the effort is worth it to you.

T – Time-bound: Commit to a deadline. Open-ended goals tend to go forgotten.

Here are some of my favorite tips to help you prepare to reach your SMART goal:

Get your mind set!

Your body might want to give up at times, but if you have your mind set your body will follow. Start by setting specific daily tasks that will get you to your goal. If you have set a goal to lose 30 pounds by 12/31/2013, determine what you need to do each day to reach your weight loss goal. Start from day one and follow through with your commitment. Then do it again the next day, and the next. By following through on your commitment you will begin to trust in yourself, and will keep going.

Find functional food!

At the Powell home, we shop each week for the foods we need, keeping healthy options available to us at all times. By not purchasing (and getting rid of) those foods that are going to tempt, we lessen our chances of ?trigger foods? setting us into bad eating habits. Another Powell tip? Prep your food beforehand so that you always have a healthy snack or meal on hand.

Move that body!

Plan time each day for your workout, and involve your family! Go biking, hiking, or play sports together. Join others in their goals. Looking for a ready-made SMART goal? Join the Chris Powell Vemma Bod-e Challenge that starts on January 2nd. This 12-week goal will start 2013 off the right way.

By setting a SMART goal and preparing for success from the start, you can beat the odds this year by attaining your resolution!. Here?s to a happy, healthy, and SMART 2013! 🙂