Did you make any New Year's resolutions for 2014? Surveys found that 35% of people break their New Year's resolutions before the end of January! Less than a quarter of those surveyed stated that they never break their resolutions. So, what's the key to success? It's how you set your goals. Most people express their resolutions as a desire (e.g., I want to lose weight) rather than as a goal.
Prior to mommyhood, I made my living as a project manager (among other things) for a major financial services firm. It was then I learned the S.M.A.R.T. system for creating goals for our team. Little did I know that this system would serve me long after that project ended!
S = Specific. The more specific a goal, the more likely you will be able to reach it. Instead of "Lose weight," try "Lose 15 pounds" or "Lose a pound a week." Likewise, "Clean out my closet" will be more effective than "Get more organized."
M = Measurable. What does success look like to you? How will you measure it? Again, be specific. If your goal is to lose 10 pounds or spend an hour of quality time with your children each day, you can easily track this on a spreadsheet, on your calendar, or even in a notebook.
A = Achievable and Accountable. Perhaps your goal is to get out of debt. If you have $15,000 in credit card debit, but can only cut your budget by $200 each month, you probably aren't going to be able to completely eliminate your debt in a year unless you receive an unexpected winning lottery ticket or inheritance from a long-lost uncle. Accountability was not part of the goal-setting process originally, but it is something that helps me personally. If you are like most people, you are more likely to keep a commitment to someone else than to yourself, so your chances of losing weight improve if you have a workout partner or join an exercise group.
R = Reasonable. Is there anything standing in your way from achieving this goal? Are you limited by time, money, or ability? What roadblocks are standing in your way, and can they be removed?
T = Timely. What is your time frame for completing the goal? Deadlines keep us motivated, but make sure they are Achievable and Reasonable.
What SMART resolutions did you make for 2014? Share them in the comments below.
