When we work with clients to achieve their gut health goals, we like to unpack the goals to make them more digestible. It’s really important to define your goal, understand why you want to achieve it, and the steps you need to take in order to achieve it. For fail-proof goals, we encourage clients to set SMART goals. If you haven’t heard of SMART goals before, it’s an acronym that stands for: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound. 

Use our step-by-step guide and tips below to set your own fail-proof goals to improve your gut health in 2023. You can also download our SMART Goals resource and save for later.

 

1.What is the main goal you are wanting to achieve?

Think about your overarching big goal and what you want to achieve in 2023. Here are some questions that might help you to pinpoint your main goal: 

• What would pure happiness look like?
• Where do you want to be in 12 months’ time? 
• What do you want to accomplish this year?
• If you could wave a (realistic) magic wand that would grant you one wish, what would it be?

Example: I want to no longer have to worry about my gut health all the time 

 

2. Why is this goal important to you?

If your goal doesn’t mean anything to you, then the chances of you accomplishing your goal are slim. You need to have a ‘why’. Your goal needs to fit within your core values and be meaningful. Firstly, it might be helpful to explore your core values to see if your goal aligns. Some examples of core values may include family, independence, health, happiness. 

Example: I want to have better gut health because it’s affecting my mood and energy levels every day, which is taking a toll on my relationships and my ability to have energy to do the things I want to do.

 

3. Make your goal SMART

• Specific: Define your goal. Set clear and specific goals so you know exactly what it is you are going to achieve.
• Measurable: How will you measure your success? Ensure your goal is measurable so you know when you have achieved it. 
• Achievable: Is your goal achievable? Your goal should be challenging but not impossible. Ensuring your goal is achievable will set you up for success
• Relevant: Is your goal relevant? The goal you have set should be worthwhile and relevant to your long term goals. 
• Timely: What is the completion date? Set a target date so you know when you need to have achieved your goal. Ensure this timeframe is realistic. 

Example: By July 2023 I will reduce my bloating and gut pain to a point where it is not affecting my quality of life, so I can have energy to socialize with my friends or family at least once per fortnight. 

 

4. How will you get there?

You can’t run a marathon without training for it first. In most cases there will be a number of steps you will need to take in order to achieve your goals. We can think of these as small stepping stones that bring you closer to your destination. It’s important to understand what you need to do in order to get there and how you are going to do it. 

Example: 

• Book into see a dietitian to support me identify my IBS triggers 

• Identify at least one person in my life who I can talk to about my gut health struggles

• Aim to go for a 20 minutes walk three times per week to move my body and reduce stress 

 

5. Are there any barriers that might get in your way?

Tackle the barriers before they arise by creating some fail-safe plans. Think about what may have prevented you from achieving your goals in the past, are they likely to arise again. 

Example:

Barrier = lack of time to eat healthy with a busy work schedule. 

Solution = Set aside time on the weekend to meal plan and prep, cook in bulk and freeze meals, and have some healthy snacks on hand. 

 

If you would like support in achieving your gut health goals this year, our experienced FODMAP and IBS trained Dietitians are ready to help! Contact us today and we will book a discovery call with you to discuss more about how we can help. 

Published: 13th January 2023

Author: Bianca Berton-Scarlet Monash FODMAP trained Dietitian