Happy New Year!!! It's the beginning of new decade, right after the year of many unforseen difficulties and challenges for people around the world. Near and far, many of us are looking for a fresh start. While we can't control our circumstances, we can begin to set our sights on New Year's resolutions and goals to improve our lives! Planning to improve behaviors in habit, health, or psychology. There's a plethora to choose from, all robed in the lure of good intentions. Nearly 50% of Americans make resolutions, and over 70% believe they will accomplish those goals. Sadly, the numbers show that a little over 10% of those goals are actually accomplished. So, before we race off to the resolution marathon, make preparations for the journey. It will increase our chances of crossing that finish line with a sense of accomplishment, Be SMART!
S-Small and Specific
In the excitement of setting goals, we often set our sights too big. Start small. Starting small not only means not biting off more than you can chew, but it also means giving yourself permission to take baby steps. An easy way to start small, is to be specific in your goal. Maybe your goal is to "Stop eating choloate." So, let's be honest, Chocolate is a big deal! Knowing this, "Stop eating chocolate" may be what you want, but it's not specific. Ask yourself "Who, What, Where, When, & Why."
Who? Me, my kids, or my partner
What? Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, or Chocolate candy bars.
Where? At home, at work, or on the sofa.
When? In boredom, at night, when I'm stressed, or while watching T.V.
Why? To reduce sugar intake, the Dr said too, or I eat too much.
M-Measureable
Make it measureable. Goals can be measured by quanitity, frequency, or duration. By switching up the quantitty, frequency, or duration you are making the goal measureable and achievable. Measurement is really the accountability factor. Identify how you're going to measure your progress. Resolutions are far reaching, and long lasting goals that allow for progression over time, a year to measure progress.
In the choclate eating habits can you reduce the quantitify, frequency, or duration. Perhaps you a little of all three.
Quantity: 2 pieces vs. 50
Frequency: At night vs. All Day
Duration: When I walk in the door from work vs. All Day Long.
A-Acheiveable
In assessing attainablity you can ask:
Is this goal doable?
Am I committed to this goal?
Once these questions have been answered then it's improtant to take pause. Look for resources you have to help. If you need something, what is it?
In the chocolate goal: It is doable, if I am committed. But I may need partner for accountability.
R-Realistic
Check and see if it's realistic. Look around and see if other's have accomplished this same goal. This can give you a hindsight perspective. An acknowledgement of what went right for others. It can also help you take good look at your commitment to the goal, by seeing others struggles and accomplishments, you will have a good idea whether if will work for you!
Don't forget the reward! Take note of rewards earned along the journey, journal it as a reminder and motivation! Remember, it's perfectly alright to reward yourself for your accomplishments and hard work!
T-Time
Be sure to make the time table for accomplishing your goal is reachable. Too short, you will have trouble completing the goal. Too long, you may loose sights to the end. Time will help you measure your progress and motivate you to keep going!
Be SMART, and try these tools to accomplish your New Year's resolution for 2021!