6.12.1 Assess personal health practices and overall health status.

6.12.2 Develop a plan to attain a personal health goal that addresses strengths, needs, and risks.

6.12.3 Implement strategies and monitor progress in achieving a personal health goal.

6.12.4 Formulate an effective long-term personal health plan.

Goals help to give you direction and can instruct your decision-making skills. It can also give you purpose in life. It is important to create a plan to meet your goals; without a plan, goals are just dreams.

Make sure it is SMART:

Specific: answer the 5 W's.

• What do I want to accomplish?

• Why is this goal important?

• Who is involved?

• Where is it located?

• Which resources or limits are there?

Measurable: Helps you to track your progress and stay motivated.

• How much?

• How will I know when I have met my goal?

Achievable: Make it realistic and attainable

• How will I accomplish this?

• How realistic is this, based on constraints such as money?

Relevant: Make sure this aligns with other goals

• Does this seem worthwhile?

• Is it the right time for this?

Time-bound: Give yourself a timeline, otherwise you may continue to push it back

• When do I want to achieve my goal?

• What can I do six months from now?

• What can I do six weeks from now?

• What can I do today?