It’s that time of year when we’re all planning for the next one. What will we do differently? Are there lessons we’ve learned? One of the most discouraging things for most people is not meeting their goals – or quitting by the end of January. Perhaps we should look at the goal thing differently. We’re in the business of seeing our patients meeting their feet goals. May we suggest the S.M.A.R.T. goal approach? 

 

Today, the doctors at the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group will share an example of a foot-related goal and show you how it fits into the S.M.A.R.T. goal category. Before we move forward, here’s the breakdown:

 

S – Specific 

M – Measurable

A – Achievable 

R – Relevant

T – Time-bound

 

Here’s an example: By the end of the year, I want to have visited the podiatrist once a month to monitor my diabetes. 

 

Does this goal pass the test? Let’s see.

 

Specific 

Does this goal provide enough details? Yes. Specifically, you want to schedule a podiatry appointment (with a podiatrist of your choice) to monitor a condition.

 

Measurable

Can you track this goal? Yes. There are 12 months in a year. By the end of the year, you should have attended at least 12 podiatry appointments. You can confirm this by looking through your calendar or calling the podiatry office to verify. 

 

Achievable 

Is your goal realistic? Yes. You have a podiatrist, and you can easily schedule an appointment. There are no barriers to achieving this goal.

 

Relevant

Is this the right time to start this new goal? Yes. You understand the complications that can impact your feet and ankles. You may have already been experiencing new symptoms, such as a slow-healing wound.

 

Time-bound

Is there a deadline to achieve this goal? Yes, by the end of the year. The first step would be to pick up the phone and schedule an appointment. Perhaps pick a specific part of the month and plan for all of 2022. 

 

There are ways to set goals without feeling overwhelmed. Who doesn’t like checking a box to say they achieved something? We’re here to help you set and achieve your S.M.A.R.T. goals. Schedule an appointment so that we can plan for 2022. 

   

At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.