"Setting a health goal is something you can do at any time throughout the year. Start by asking yourself which areas of your health you'd like to improve, then figure out what steps you can take to work toward that goal." - Dana Ingebretson, MS, RD, CDE, CDN; Neighborhood Health Center Wellness Department Chair

When setting goals for your health, follow these tips to help you be successful

Make it realistic
Make sure your goal is something you can actually accomplish. 

• For example, it might not be realistic to say that you can go to the gym every day, but you could probably go 2-3 times a week. It's good to push yourself a little, but if your goal is not something you can actually do, then you'll just end up feeling defeated when you can't meet it. And when you do achieve that realistic goal - you'll feel great! 

Make it specific to you
Think about what your personal health risks and concerns are, and set goals that help to address those. 

• For example, if you have high cholesterol, set a goal to reduce a few foods in your diet that impact that risk. 

Make it flexible
Remember that you are human, and life happens. 

• If your goal was to go to the gym 2-3 times per week but you got stuck at work late and couldn't make it, brush it off and try to achieve the goal the following week. Don't let changes to the plan completely derail you from continuing to work on your goal. 

Have questions or want support in setting specific goals for your health? Our Wellness team at Neighborhood Health Center can help support you. Click here to learn more.