As the clock strikes midnight and 2022 turns into 2023 many of us start thinking of what we would like to accomplish in the new year. For many, each year brings disappointment of not accomplishing those resolutions we set on January 1st. How can you ensure that those resolutions will not turn into unfilled goals this year?
Defining your resolutions by turning them into SMART goals may increase your chances of success.
S= specific. Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting a very generic goal, such as save more money. Make your goals as specific as possible, such as save $50 each week.
M= measurable. Ensure your target is something that can be measured. You want to be able to track your success along the way as you work towards your goal.
A= achievable. Set goals for yourself that can be achieved withing the timeframe you’ve given yourself. It’s fine to have big, lofty goals for the future but can you break that down into a smaller goal to work towards in the short term.
R= realistic. Are your goals realistic for you and your work ethic? Don’t set yourself up for failure by setting goals that require you to completely change your lifestyle and habits. Start small, be consistent, and see success.
T=timely. Set multiple goals for the year with different time frames. Maybe you start with selecting a specific goal for January and then add a second goal for the first quarter. They can build off of each other or be completely goals all together.
SMART goals can then be used to help develop actions and habits that will lead you to the success of that goal. If we refer back to the specific goal of saving $50 each week, the first habit we can accomplish is possibly setting up an automatic deposit to happen each Friday that moves $50 from your checking to saving account. This will increase the likelihood of you being able to save that money since very little action has to come from you weekly.
The rate of success of changing habits increases when you have fewer changes you are trying to make at once. If you try to change too many habits in your life at one time you will more than likely feel overwhelmed and give up. Pick one goal at a time and once those actions to achieve that specific goal become routine then look into working on a different goal.
Choose 2023 to be the year you achieve many dreams & goals!!!
