New Year's Goal Setting Brings Out the New You

So many people set their New Year’s resolutions but fail within a few weeks (if not a few days). Why is that? Most resolutions are unrealistic or general (I will lose weight, I will eat healthy, I will spend more time doing ____). You may see this pattern when making your resolutions. Maybe, you’ve already failed on this year’s resolutions. It’s not too late to get on track. Timing is not as important as setting goals for yourself that are realistic. It is never too late to define the new you! But don’t set your expectations to high. Here are some tips to help you make sure you’re on track with your personal goals:

Your level of commitment is crucial - If you are not ready to commit to change, whether it is a career change, losing weight, learning how to ride a horse, etc it won’t happen. You have to be committed to make it happen. Before you set your goal think about how committed you are to it. Measure your commitment to career change on a scale of 1-10. If it’s not at a 10, what would make it a 10? How can you move it up the scale?

Your goals must be SMART goals – You probably have heard about SMART goals by now (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented {realistic/relevant}, Timely). The problem is that most people know what SMART goals are, but not that many are successful at creating SMART goals for themselves. You need to be able to set specific steps for you to be able to reach your big goal. You are more likely able to reach your goals when you are organized. Create weekly and monthly checklists with small action steps. This will help keep your goals in check, while taking the important baby steps along the way.

Here’s an example – Many people say they want to lose weight in the New Year. That’s great, but how can it be a SMART Goal. First, don’t focus on the full year; start smaller. For example, you might want to say that by April 1st you will have lost 10 pounds (specific – not just lose weight). It is a measureable, attainable, realistic, timely goal. Your baby steps in your checklist for week 1 might be to have a salad every day. Week 2 might be to add 30 minutes of exercise 3 times a week.

Examine yourself and use these tips to help you make sure you are on the right track. When you are setting goals (resolutions), it’s important to create a structure for doing so and to write them down. Remember it’s not real until it’s in writing! A big reason to set goals in the first place is to create the life you want. At the end of your life do you want to say you tried to achieve what you want or that you didn’t try at all? A goal that’s not written down is just a wish. Here’s to the new you!