Splendid Spoon is built on the idea that just a few small changes can create a lasting impact on your health. We’re here to help you achieve a simple, sustainable wellness routine (that feels anything but routine!)

I want to set goals, but am overwhelmed. Resolutions often don’t work, everything I try fails after not much time at all. How do I start?

Try setting S.M.A.R.T. goals! First, decide what you want to achieve - and WHY. How does this goal connect to your values? Let’s use a common example: I want to be healthier. How do we make this a S.M.A.R.T. goal? Let’s break it down.

Becoming healthier is a great goal, but it’s not very specific. Where to even start? It’s easy to get overwhelmed and try to go from zero to 60 right away, or on the flip side, brush off the goal if it’s not working out after just a little while. Setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely helps us hone in on how exactly we are going to reach them.

S - Specific

Keep asking yourself clarifying questions, figuring out how you can achieve this, until your goal is as specific as possible. “I want to be healthier” becomes “I want to become healthier by eating plant-based meals, for my health & the environment.”

M - Measurable

“I want to become healthier by eating 1 plant-based meal per day, for my health & the environment.”

Within this specific goal, you can measure the amount of plant-based meals you want to eat. It is often easier to stick to a specific number goal, rather than an “all or nothing” mentality.

A - Attainable

Start small! Setting goals can feel overwhelming and take up a lot of our mental headspace to coordinate. By setting the specific goal of just 1 plant-based meal per day, this feels more attainable than an entire overhaul of your eating habits. We’re aiming to set goals with long-lasting benefits!

R - Realistic

Rather than going completely vegan right away, this goal allows you to start slow and steady. Adding more plant-based meals gradually offers flexibility, makes time for learning new recipes, and allows you to see what you like and what you aren’t loving. It can also leave room to still enjoy some non-vegan foods you may love!

T - Timely

“I want to become healthier by eating 1 plant-based meal per day, for my health & the environment. I want to complete this for 3 weeks, then assess how I feel.”

Setting the goal for 3 weeks allows you to assess how you’re feeling along the way, rather than feeling like the commitment you made is daunting. By staying mindful and checking in with yourself, you may find that you’ve achieved this goal easily, and want to continue longer-term, or add a second plant-based meal to your day!

Helpful tips:

  • Tell someone about your goals! This increases the likelihood they’ll stick, since you have support and accountability.
  • Break down your goals. Tackle one challenge at a time until you reach your ultimate goal.

Some reminders:

  • Making several small changes over a long period of time is much better, and easier, than making one big change all at once.
  • Be forgiving! You’ve already learned the foundation for S.M.A.R.T. goal setting. Be kind to yourself if you miss a day or need to tweak your goal. You’re the one making the rules!
  • Don’t forget to celebrate your wins along the way! All progress is something to be proud of.

What are your goals? Share them with us on Instagram @splendid.spoon! Splendid Spoon makes plant-based eating an easy goal to achieve, delivering 40+ meals right to your door. Get started today to take an easy step towards crushing those goals of yours! Have questions? Email us at hello@splendidspoon.com.