Do you usually set New Year’s resolutions every year?
I do! I list things that I want to do, places that I want to go, things that I want to buy, and the list goes on and on.
When I look back on my New Year’s resolution at the end of every year, I usually get disappointed and ask myself, “What have I even done this year?” because nothing on my list was completed.
Then I realized the way I write my New Year’s resolution is the problem.
I used to list things up, like shopping lists. For example,
- I will eat healthier
- I will exercise more
- I will prioritize self-care
It’s too broad and not specific at all.
Let’s take a look at your New Year’s resolutions once again and plan it right!
I will share five steps to set your resolution right in this article.
I really want you to manifest your goal this year and make this year the best year ever!
Using “SMART” Criteria
SMART stands for
- Specific: Be clear about what you want to achieve as a goal
- Measurable: Make sure you can track your progress
- Achievable: Set realistic and doable goals
- Relevant: Your goal should matter and align with your overall objectives.
- Time-bound: Set a deadline to create a sense of urgency
1, Specific
When setting a goal, it’s crucial to be as specific and clear as possible about what you want to achieve.
Vague goals can be challenging to work towards because they lack a clear direction.
By outlining exactly what you aim to accomplish, you create a roadmap for your efforts.
Instead of saying
“I want to get fit,” — “I want to jog for 30 minutes every morning.”
“I want to eat healthier,” — “Eat fruits and vegetables in every meal.”
“I want to prioritize self-care,” — “Read a book 10 minutes every day before bed.”
Being clear about your goal helps you focus on the exact outcome you desire.
2, Measurable
Make sure your goal is measurable, meaning you can track your progress.
If your goal is to read more, quantify it by setting a specific number of books to read per month.
This way, you can easily see how well you’re doing and make adjustments if needed.
For instance, if your goal is to read more, make it measurable by setting a specific number of books to read per month.
“I want to read 4 books per month.”
You are going to be finishing 48 books by the end of the year!
The measurability of a goal is essential for motivation.
Tangible progress can act as a powerful motivator, keeping you focused and driven.
Without measurable indicators, it’s challenging to celebrate successes along the way and stay
motivated for the long run.
3, Achievable
While ambition is commendable, goals should also be realistic and attainable.
Setting objectives that are too lofty can lead to frustration and a sense of failure.
The key is to find a balance between a goal that challenges you and one that is within reach.
Consider your current abilities and resources when setting achievable goals.
If you’re new to a particular endeavor, like jogging, setting a goal to run a marathon in a month might be overly ambitious.
Instead, start with a goal that stretches your abilities but is still realistic, such as jogging for 10 minutes initially and gradually increasing the duration as your fitness improves.
4, Relevant
Your goal should be relevant to your broader objectives and aspirations.
Setting goals that align with your values and larger purpose ensures that your efforts contribute meaningfully to your overall journey.
Consider why you want to achieve a specific goal.
If it aligns with your values, interests, or long-term objectives, it becomes more relevant.
For instance, if your primary focus is on career growth, setting a goal to learn a new professional skill is more relevant than pursuing a hobby that doesn’t contribute to your professional development.
Relevance also helps in maintaining motivation.
When you see the connection between your goal and your broader life objectives, you’re more likely to stay committed and enthusiastic about the pursuit.
5, Time-bound
Adding a timeframe to your goal creates a sense of urgency and helps you manage your time effectively.
Without a deadline, it’s easy to procrastinate or lose focus.
Setting a timeframe provides structure to your efforts and enables you to prioritize tasks.
For example, rather than saying, “I’ll start a blog someday,” make it time-bound.
“I’ll write the first blog post this week.”
This specific deadline not only gives you a clear endpoint but also breaks down the larger goal into manageable, actionable steps.
Time-bound goals also allow for reflection and adjustment.
If you set a goal to learn a new language in three months but realize halfway through that it’s too ambitious, you can reassess and modify your timeframe while maintaining a sense of direction.
I definitely need to revise my New Year’s resolutions once again.
How about you all?
“SMART” criteria offer a practical and user-friendly framework for goal-setting.
This approach enhances the
- clarity of goals
- ensure measurability
- encourages realistic ambitions
- emphasizes relevance
- introduces a time-bound element for effective planning
By incorporating “SMART” criteria into your goal-setting process, you empower yourself to articulate, pursue, and achieve your aspirations in a more systematic and achievable manner.
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