Start S.M.A.R.T

It’s that time of the year again! Three hundred and sixty five days have passed and by December 31^st we are all patiently waiting for the countdown to midnight. Not only does this provide an excuse to party as well as share the ending of the previous year with our loved ones, the countdown to many symbolizes a fresh start. Theoretically, it is the beginning of a blank canvas and it is up to us to paint the perfect picture. Though we are not Picassos, we all surely do strive to set high goals and even higher expectations of the year to come. In efforts to start fresh, some great genius from back in the days decided to create “New Year’s Resolutions.”

So what makes these resolutions so difficult to keep?  We’ve all fallen victim in our attempts to combat the second month slump. We set very high goals, yet we begin to fall back into old routines half way through January. After doing this over and over for several years, I deem this the year to set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Assignable, Realistic and Timely). There are various examples and different words to represent S.M.A.R.T. These words can be altered to fit your specific needs in setting a goal.

The S:

To begin setting your SMART goal, start with making your goal as specific as possible. Setting vague goals leaves too much room to give up when something unexpected occurs. For example, setting a goal to lose weight is very vague. How many pounds would you like to lose? What is your reasoning and ambition behind this goal? Without this specificity, motivation to fulfill this goal will not be as strong.

The M:

After setting your very specific goal, make sure that this goal is also measurable. Having a measurement for your goal provides feedback in knowing how your goal is coming along as well as when your goal is complete.

The A:

Who is this goal created for? Some times we create goals for not only individuals, but also groups. In a group setting, if a goal is not specifically assigned, it is less likely that people will take initiative. Also, when creating goals for individuals it is great to state that this goal is specifically for you. This allows some ownership and helps to keep you on track.  

The R:

Now you know yourself more than anyone else! You’re setting a goal to lose 30 pounds in two weeks, yet your go to food is a whopper, the biggest fries available, and a side of soda. Not only is it not realistic to lose 30 pounds in that short amount of time, keeping the same eating habits will definitely hinder any chances of this happening. To make your goals more realistic start small! How about beginning with cutting out food items that are bad for you? Try giving up soda for a month, if that month goes well then aim for two, then slowly add more veggies to your diet on the third month, reduce portion size on the fourth, and so on.

The T

To complete your smart goal, be certain that it is timely! Make your time frame aggressive; yet also be as realistic as possible with this time frame! Two weeks to lose 30 pounds is aggressive, but definitely not realistic…or healthy. Be realistic with your self and with your goals. If you want to set life changing goals you have to start somewhere, but also remember how you execute things, and address unexpected set backs.

Check out my example below and master the art in setting your own smart goals!

Reminder: If you’re not a goal setting person and you do well with just checking things off a list then plan a grand to do list for every year! Similar to a bucket list, but for realistic things you would like to accomplish for the year.