Final answer:
Effective goals for health and wellness should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely (SMART) in order to ensure clarity, feasibility, and alignment with broader objectives, as well as allowing for progress tracking.
Step-by-step explanation:
When setting goals for reaching health and wellness objectives, it's essential to make them SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. These criteria ensure that the goals are well-defined and feasible with clear benchmarks for tracking progress. Specific goals are detailed and precise, stating exactly what's expected. Measurable goals allow for tangible evidence of progress. Goals that are Achievable acknowledge your capabilities and resources, making sure barriers can be overcome. Relevant goals ensure alignment with other aims and make sense within the larger context of what you're trying to achieve. Lastly, Timely goals entail setting a specific target date or deadline, providing a sense of urgency and a timeframe within which to accomplish the goal.