Welcome to Step 3 of Cholesterol Smart. This is where you turn your ideas into action! Step 3 is all about setting realistic, step-by-step goals based on the results of your diet and lifestyle assessment from Step 2.
Why take it step by step?
The key to long-term success is making small, achievable changes, bit by bit, while celebrating every improvement along the way.
Checklist: Are you ready to set your goals?
- Have you completed Step 1: Get in the zone, and do you feel motivated to tackle any challenges?
- Have you assessed your diet and lifestyle habits in Step 2 and found which improvements will benefit you the most?
If you’ve ticked these off, you’re ready to set your first goals!
How to set your goals
1. Review your suggested improvements from Step 2.
2. Choose just one or two improvements to focus on over the next three to four weeks.
- This step-by-step approach helps you build new habits gradually and successfully.
- After three to four weeks, you can assess your progress and add one to two new goals or adjust your focus (Step 5).
Record your goals
Download our 'Keep Track of Your Goals' activity sheet
You can use this sheet to record your goals, or keep track electronically if you prefer.
- Write down your one to two goals.
- Plan how you’ll achieve them. Think about what you can realistically fit into your daily routine and be specific about what exactly you will do. For example:
Goal 1: Improve the type of fats I use.
How I’ll achieve this: I will switch to using vegetable oils in cooking and vegetable spreads instead of butter or ghee.
Goal 2: I will eat beans three times a week.
How I’ll achieve this: I will have beans on toast or a jacket potato, replace half the meat in my recipe with half a can of beans, try one new recipe with beans.
Track & celebrate your achievements
- Use the 'Keep Track of Your Goals' activity sheet to tick off each day you achieve your personal goals.
- Review your progress weekly and celebrate your successes – every small win counts!
Need help or inspiration?
Move on to Step 4 for practical tips, recipes, and ideas tailored to help you achieve your goals.
Or explore other Cholesterol Smart steps
