Turn Your New Year's Resolutions into S.M.A.R.T. Goals!
So many of us make New Years Resolutions, but studies have shown that most New Year's Resolutions are broken within a few days into a new year. To meet a goal, we must get super specific, we must get S.M.A.R.T.!
S.M.A.R.T. is a mnemonic device first published in the November 1981 issue of Management Review in a paper by George T. Moran which discussed goals in management for corporations. However, it has been utilized for personal growth and goal attainment, such as in Paul J. Meyer's book, Attitude is Everything.
S.M.A.R.T. stands for:
Specific - What do you want to achieve? Why? What are your reasons?
Measurable - How do you know when it will be accomplished? How much? How many?
Achievable - Is it achievable in your current lifestyle? Is it realistic?
Relevant - Does this match your current life and where you imagine your life will be heading? Is it the right time in your life for this particular endeavor?
Time-bound - When will this happen? When is your deadline? Will it need to occur just once or will it need to happen daily, weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.?
For instance - I want to be well-hydrated by drinking three 32oz. bottles of water by the end of each day because my body needs water in daily processes and I have been experiencing dehydration headaches lately. This goal is specific. I have a 32oz. water bottle that can be filled up with filtered water each day. I have accomplished this goal before and I know that I can accomplish it everyday. It is not only a relevant goal but a necessary goal if I want my body to function properly and to avoid headaches, amongst other health issues.
Once we are able to get truly specific about what we want in life, we can make it happen!!!
Who has ever set and achieved a S.M.A.R.T. goal? Please tell us the story by leaving a comment below! Or, if you will set a S.M.A.R.T. goal what will it be?
