Are you a person who makes a list of resolutions at the start of a new year? Do you carry through with them or find that they have fallen by the wayside?
The problem with resolutions is there is little to define them except knowing what it is you want (or don’t want).
Goals, on the other hand, give you a framework to make it more likely you will end up with what you had intended. I’m sure by now you’ve heard of SMART goals. It has become a bit of a buzzword.
Let’s say you want more time in the evenings to relax.
First, your goal must be Specific. More and less are not specific words. If you want “more” free time, you need to define what that looks like to you.
Next is Measurable, this is part of being specific. How much time do you want for evening relaxation? 20 minutes? Two hours?
A is for Achievable. It is not likely that you can set aside two hours every evening for relaxation; the 20 minutes, however, is much more achievable.
Is it Realistic? Given your life and schedule, what would you have to give up or do much faster to carve out two hours of free time every evening?
Finally, Time sensitive. When will you begin doing this? Frequently, goals are something that we need to work up to. Maybe you start with five minutes and increase steadily from there. At what point will you reliably have that desired amount of relaxation time?
Bonus attribute: Accountability. While not required for a SMART goal, it makes success more likely – and sometimes easier. Is there someone, personal or professional, who can check in with you weekly to make sure you’re keeping up?
There you have it—a formula for success. And, since every day is the first day of a new year, you do not need to wait for January to set new goals.
– Sydney Metrick