S.M.A.R.T. Tips for the Get Outdoors Challenge

What is the GET OUTDOORS CHALLENGE?   

Did you know that children are losing 1200 hours a year to screen time? After reading this in a 1000 hours Outside Challenge blog post while also setting my goals for the year, I decided to challenge myself to get outside more in 2020. I invite you to join me.

The GET OUTDOORS CHALLENGE is just that. It’s a personal challenge to get outdoors more. It fits perfectly within my goal to get into the best shape I have ever been in. After reading the shocking statistics about how much screen time both children and adults are consuming, I looked at my own behavior and decided to make some changes. Let’s do this together! 

Here are a few S.M.A.R.T. tips to get started.  

Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals:

Specific: Schedule It: Look at your calendar and block out the time you plan to Go Outside and what you will do once you get out there. What do you want to accomplish? Why is this goal important to you? Who is involved? Where is it located? What resources are involved? 

Measurable: Talk about your goal in terms of numbers. The more we talk about our goals, the more they will come to fruition. How much time outdoors? How many people are included? 

Achievable: Take pictures of your experience: Documenting your adventures outdoors creates a story, a purpose and will inspire you to get outside again and again. Start small and take baby steps. How can I accomplish this goal? How realistic is the goal? 

Relevant: Involve Family & Friends: Create rituals like taking walks as a family. Choose activities that you enjoy doing. Create energy and enthusiasm for going outdoors. Make sure you have the appropriate clothing for all seasons. Ask, does this time outdoors seem worthwhile? Is this the best time to embark on this goal? Does it match other ideas and visions for yourself/the program? 

Time-Based: Create a tracking system to keep track of your time outdoors. Measure daily, weekly and monthly and tweak your goals and behavior for success. Ask questions like: What do I want to feel like in 6 months? 3 months? 1 month? 1 week? Today? 

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Want more ideas for getting kids outdoors during the coldest months of the year? Check out the Exploring Nature in Winter Master Class. You will never look at your cold-weather landscape the same way ever again.