S.M.A.R.T.

The New Year is fast approaching and with it comes the concept of a fresh start, where people can make changes or improvements in their lives that will give them a better future.

Resolutions are a New Year's tradition for many people, but also something that may cause stress down the road. It's one thing to say you're going to do something or make changes, but it's another thing to stick with it for the long term. 

Here's a few tips to help you stick with your resolutions and be successful with attaining your goals, all based on what is referred to as the SMART approach!

Specific: Your goal should be clear and specific. 

You could also substitute the words simple, sensible or significant for specific, but the essence is the same, you need to have something on which to focus your efforts or truly feel motivated to achieve. 

Consider the following when seeking to define your goal...

• what do I want to accomplish?
• why is this goal important?
• who is involved?
• where is it located?
• which resources or limits are involved?

Measurable: Once you have a goal, you need to be able to gauge progress.

Assessment will help you stay focused, meet deadlines and build excitement as you get closer to your objective.

Consider the following when defining measurement....

• how much?
• how many?
• how will I know when it's accomplished?

Attainable: Setting a goal that is actually manageable will avoid frustrations and enable success.

Your goal needs to be realistic and achievable to be successful, stretching your abilities but remaining possible.

Consider the following when determining if your goal is achievable...

• how can I accomplish this goal?
• how realistic is the goal, based on all the contributing factors and constraints?

Relevant: Ensure your goal is relevant to you and is in line with your other goals.

You are responsible for achieving your own goal and, although support and assistance are great, you need to be in control.

Consider the following when defining relevance....

• is it worthwhile?
• is it the right time?
• is it in line with our other needs and efforts?
• am I the right person to reach this goal?
• is the environment right for this moment?

Timely: Give yourself adequate time to achieve your goal

Every goal needs a deadline to focus upon and work toward. It also prevents every day tasks from taking priority over the long term plans.

Consider the following when looking at your time line...

• when?
• what can I accomplish in 6 months?
• what can be done in 6 weeks?
• what can be done today?

Summarize your SMART plan to reflect all of the previously discussed elements so that you have a clear and concise 'mission statement'.

e.g. Because I want to reduce my risk of having a heart attack which is in my family history , I will lose 4 pounds a month for the next 12 months, weighing myself once a week and writing the results in a journal to track my progress.

or

e.g. In the next 3 years I will sign up for and pass all the educational courses necessary to build my resume so that I am fully qualified to apply for a management position within my company.

Here are 5 tips to help you stay on track and be successful with your SMART plan.

1. Focus on one thing at a time. Concentrate on your number one priority and don’t set yourself up for frustration and failure with too many resolutions. . 
2. Take small steps. Taking smaller steps will not only keep you on track and focused but will help you feel a sense of accomplishment when they are completed.
3. Reward yourself for small success.  Give yourself a pat on the back and celebrate your accomplishments with each step gained.
4. Be kind to yourself. Life happens and you’re only human so don't get hung up on set backs. 
5. Create a support system. It’s easier to achieve a goal when you have support, though remembering that you and you alone are still responsible for success.