Tag Archives: new habits

Realistically SMART goals

Going into the new year, I have quite a few goals to accomplish. This is normally the time when we would all set a New years resolution. We can set goals, but when we lack directon and consistency, we end up short. This issue is best tackled by SMART goals.

A SMART goal is one that is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timley. Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goal helps ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame. An example of this would be: losing 20 pounds by the end of the year. To track progress, someone might do morning or weekly weigh-ins to gauge progression. Additionally, changes to ones diet and exercise regimine will aid in the process. As time goes on, one will be able to see how progress is going along to see if progress is being made in a timely fashion. If things are not being done in time, there are metrics that might need to be updated, like eating even more differently and lifting more weight and longer, more intense cardio sessions. These metrics will change as time and circumstances change.

No matter what your goal is, in order to obtain it, there must be purpose and direction as we as a way to monitor progress. A SMART goal is a specific way to measure out and make your goals more attainable in a realistic and timely fashion. Going into the new year, i encourage you to make SMART goals to have a successful new year. Until the next time, dear readers, excelsior and happy new year!

Train your brain

As we get older, our brains tend to age as well. Some quicker or slower depending on chemistry, genetics, and other external factors. No matter where you are in life, it is imperative to keep your mind active, strong, and firing on all cylinders for as long as possible. The need to train ones brain is imperative in this day and age.

Just as our bodies require care and exercise over the course of our lives, so do our brains, especially as we age. Lifting weights strengthens our muscles, while strengthening our mental “muscles” improves our memory, attention, brain speed, people skills, intelligence, and navigation.

The ideal concept to keep in mind is variety. Just as muscles plateau when a workout gets easier, our brains can it a plateau as well. When a plateau happens, there is no further growth, and in order to continue getting stronger, one must vary the weight or lift differently to achieve better results. The same applies to our minds. This variety can come from learning new languages, reading different books, doing more challenging puzzles(crosswords, sudoku, scrabble, etc.), learning a new skill (martial arts, learning an instrument, crafting, etc.), daily meditation, etc. These different methods will help keep your brain active and thriving.

Additionally, there are things that can dampen our mental fitness that we need to be mindful of. Stress, excessive consumption of social media, poor sleep, etc. These are all things that can harm our mental state. It is imperative that we manage our stress levels and sleep schedules as these can have drastic effects on the body over time. Excess junk media can also be empty calories for the brain and should only be consumed in moderation.

In summary, our mental health is important, and it shouldn’t be neglected. Keeping your brain active will keep you sharp as a tack and on your toes. For a way to get you started, I’ll share with you a puzzle book that I recently purchased that I’m having a great time with. Our brains are eager for a challenge and for more knowledge, hence our sense of curiosity. Feed your brain and train it well. It’s not a visible muscle, but it is your most important one. Until next time, dear reader, Excelsior!

Do you even brain lift?