How SMART are your goals?
- RUNNING ON SUNSHINE PHYSICAL THERAPY
- Feb 12
- 2 min read
RUNNING ON SUNSHINE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Christen Thieman, PT, DPT, OCS
How SMART are your goals?
...Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound, that is.
For many, January is the inspirational, dream-laced era fueled by pondering how life might look different in the future. Thus, February is the ideal practical time to put pen to paper, draft blueprints, and hit the ground running.
It has been said that “Structure is a catalyst for progress.” SMART goals provide context, specificity, and unique meaning to one’s own ambitions. While often touted in the work setting, SMART goals can be a refreshing and, dare I say, invigorating means to add clarity, direction, and gravitas to personal aspirations.
This lovely SMART mnemonic not only allows folks to define how they will take action, but also provides sufficient detail to see how close they are to successfully meeting their goal.
For example, how SMART are these goals and which best leads to action?
A.) My goal is to be healthy.
B.) My goal is to run this year.
C.) My goal is to exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. I will accomplish this by running outside 4-5 days per week, cross-train at least one day per week by practicing Tae Kwon Do, and take one rest day per week to promote tissue healing/building.
And one more for a shameless plug...
D.) My goal is to complete a marathon this fall. I will schedule a prevention-inspired physical therapy appointment with Christen prior to beginning spring training to get a baseline and assess my mobility, strength, running form, and discuss running decisions to learn what it is I can do now to best support my running health as I ramp up the miles.
What might your SMART goal look like? Are you ready to draft the blueprints?
What business does Christen have writing a blog?
Given that she doesn’t care for the word ‘blog’, probably none! However, the Web+Log moniker harkening back to the late 90’s better appeals to the verbal palate and provides an in. Christen holds a doctorate in physical therapy and has practiced since 2009. She is board-certified as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Christen shares a love of long-distance running. She founded RUNNING ON SUNSHINE PHYSICAL THERAPY. In earlier times, she spearheaded an evidence-based practice committee and presented research findings to the physical therapy department as well as the organization at large. Christen is grateful for the tremendous opportunity to learn not only from colleagues and literature, but also from her patients and views them as treasured collaborators.
Please feel free to contact RUNNING ON SUNSHINE PHYSICAL THERAPY with any questions, insights, corny puns, or suggestions and to schedule an appointment.
RUNNING ON SUNSHINE PHYSICAL THERAPY
120 Bishops Way, Suite 154, Brookfield, WI 53005
414.702.2780
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult your physician and/or physical therapist directly for specific recommendations regarding your care.
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