Goal-Setting Tips | YMCA of Greater Waukesha County
YMCA of Greater Waukesha County - Changing Lives for the Better
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YMCA of Greater Waukesha County

Association Offices

3610 Michelle Witmer Memorial Drive, Suite 100
New Berlin, WI 53151

Tri County YMCA

N84 W17501 Menomonee Avenue
Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

Mukwonago YMCA

245 E. Wolf Run
Mukwonago, WI 53149

Waukesha YMCA

320 E. Broadway
Waukesha, WI 53186

New Berlin YMCA Wellness Center

3610 Michelle Witmer Memorial Drive
New Berlin, WI 53151

West Suburban YMCA

2420 N. 124th Street
Wauwatosa, WI 53226

Southwest YMCA

11311 W. Howard Avenue
Greenfield, WI 53228

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Association Offices

New Berlin YMCA Wellness Center


YGWC ASSOCIATION OFFICES

3610 Michelle Witmer Memorial Drive, Suite 100
New Berlin, WI  53151
262-330-5199

 

HOURS

MON-FRI | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tri County YMCA

Tri County YMCA


TRI COUNTY YMCA

N84 W17501 Menomonee Avenue
Menomonee Falls, WI  53051

 262-255-9622

 

HOURS

MON-FRI | 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SAT | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
SUN | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM*

*Closes at 4:00 PM Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Mukwonago YMCA

Mukwonago YMCA


MUKWONAGO YMCA

245 E. Wolf Run
Mukwonago, WI  53149

262-363-7950

 

HOURS 

MON-FRI | 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SAT | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
SUN | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM*

*Closes at 4:00 PM Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Waukesha YMCA

Waukesha YMCA


WAUKESHA YMCA

320 E. Broadway
Waukesha, WI  53186

 262-542-2557

 

HOURS 

MON-FRI | 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SAT | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
SUN | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM*

*Closes at 4:00 PM Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

New Berlin YMCA Wellness Center

New Berlin YMCA Wellness Center


NEW BERLIN YMCA WELLNESS CENTER

3610 Michelle Witmer Memorial Drive
New Berlin, WI  53151
262-330-5190

 

HOURS 

MON-FRI | 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
SAT & SUN | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

West Suburban YMCA

West Suburban YMCA


WEST SUBURBAN YMCA

2420 N. 124th Street
Wauwatosa, WI  53226

 414-302-9622

 

HOURS

MON-FRI | 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SAT | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
SUN | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM*

*Closes at 4:00 PM Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

Southwest YMCA

Southwest YMCA


SOUTHWEST YMCA

11311 W. Howard Avenue
Greenfield, WI  53228

414-546-9622

 

HOURS

MON-FRI | 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
SAT | 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM*
SUN | 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM*

*Closes at 4:00 PM Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.

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Camp Double Eagle

W365 S8661 Highway 67
Eagle, WI 53119

Y Children's Academy

100 E. Broadway
Waukesha, WI 53186

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Y MEMBERSHIP HAS VALUE

A YMCA membership gives you more than just a place to work out, it gives you a community! Schedule a tour at one of our locations and meet our staff.

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YOUR CHILD AT THE Y

The Y has programs for children of all ages. From infant and toddler care at our Y Academy, to Preschool and 4K programs, to Before & After School care for elementary and middle school students, the Y can help your busy family find programs and care that's right for you.

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Healthy Living at the Y

GOAL-SETTING TIPS

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Set SMART Goals for Success
YMCA OF GREATER WAUKESHA COUNTY

GO AFTER YOUR GOALS

Notebook with SMART goalsTuesday, April 2, 2024

Whatever your goals are, they may be easier to achieve than you think. You just have to be SMART when setting them. At the Y, we like to focus on small steps and attainable goals to help us succeed. We call these SMART goals:

  • Specific (simple, sensible, significant)
  • Measurable (meaningful, motivating)
  • Achievable (agreed, attainable)
  • Relevant (reasonable, realistic, results-based)
  • Time-bound (time-based, timely, time-sensitive)

Individuals who make SMART goals, write them down, and provide themselves with weekly progress are 76% more likely to achieve their goals. Individuals who have unwritten goals are 43% likely to achieve them (Matthews, 2007).

It can be challenging to pick a SMART goal that's simple to achieve and also makes progress toward your end goal. Research shows that merely identifying a goal is not enough. By incorporating SMART goals, you'll be able to make small changes that will help you commit to a healthy lifestyle and accomplish larger, long-term goals.

It's important to note that SMART goals are meant to be experimented with. If something doesn’t work, review your SMART goal and try a different approach. Looking at SMART goals as an experiment gives you the flexibility to explore multiple options and determine what works best for you!

Remember, the Y has fitness, nutrition, and healthy living programs to suit a wide variety of needs and interests. Reach out to your local branch and we'll help you find your perfect fit!

 

Download the SMART Goal Worksheet

 

Example of a SMART Goal


Still not sure what your goals should be or how to set SMART ones? We’re here for you, check out the SMART goal example below.

SPECIFIC

To increase full body muscle strength by improving my squat weight from 200 LB to 225 LB. I will do this by going to the Y and lifting three times a week for 45 minutes.  

MEASURABLE

I will document how much weight I have lifted at each workout session on a calendar to watch my progress. (Am I lifting more weight each week? Am I meeting the 3 times per week for 45 minutes?)

ACHIEVABLE

To ensure this goal is achievable, I will gradually increase the weight lifted during each session by 5 LB increments, allowing my muscles to adapt and grow stronger over time. Additionally, I will focus on proper form and technique to prevent injury and maximize effectiveness.

RELEVANT

Increasing my full body muscle strength through squatting aligns with my overall fitness goals and will contribute to improved performance in various physical activities.

TIME-BOUND

By May 10, I want to achieve my goal of lifting 225LB in my squat. 

Reward Yourself


SMART goals are also meant to be celebrated when accomplished. Plan to reward yourself by selecting an incentive that's meaningful to you and compatible with your goal. When you accomplish a SMART goal, celebrate your hard work and achievement. Then you can create your next SMART goal to keep progressing toward your overall goal.

So, what can you do at the end of the week when you reach your SMART goal? Here are some ideas to help you stay motivated.

  • Call a friend or family member who makes you smile.
  • Create a private space at home where you can relax.
  • Work on a hobby or project that you enjoy.
  • Indulge in an at-home spa day.
  • Take a guilt-free nap.
  • Buy a fancy new water bottle.
  • Enjoy a bubble bath or long shower.
  • Lie in a hammock.
  • Invest in a fitness tracker to motivate you even more.
  • Pick a book and schedule uninterrupted time to read it.
  • Buy new workout clothes.
  • Watch the sunrise or sunset.
  • Have a movie night.
  • Plan a staycation.
  • Plant a garden.
  • Make a playlist of your favorite songs.
  • Put on some music and do a puzzle.
  • Have a family game night.
  • Sleep in.
  • Pick up a bouquet of flowers.
  • Sign up for a virtual charity walk or run event.
  • Listen to a podcast.
  • Go stargazing with your family.
  • Binge on a TV series.
  • Take yourself on a picnic.
  • Have a bonfire with someone you love.

Resources:

Matthews, Gail, "The Impact of Commitment, Accountability, and Written Goals on Goal Achievement" (2007). Psychology | Faculty Presentations. 3.

For a better us.®

The YMCA of Greater Waukesha County is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Our tax ID number is 45-5119441.

 

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