New Year’s Resolutions are set every year and within a few months, are forgotten. This is a common occurrence with many resolutions and this is because most are set without any solid plan.
It can be hard to know where to start when setting goals and forming a plan. We at Truvy want to make sure you are set up for success with some smart tips to help achieve your New Year’s Resolutions.
The SMART acronym is a common 5 step plan to assist you in making realistic and achievable goals for 2023.
1. Specific
In order to set a goal you need to know specifically what you are trying to achieve. Without this focus, your efforts will feel unmotivated and make it harder for you to accomplish anything. When you write your New Year’s Resolutions, write your goals with these 5 specific questions in mind:
- What is it that I am trying to accomplish?
- Why is this important to my life?
- Where does this goal take place?
- Are there others that need to be involved with this goal?
- What resources are available to me to accomplish this goal and are there any limitations?
2. Measurable
Once you know what you are specifically trying to achieve you need to ensure that the goal is measurable. This means that you are able to track your progress. You won’t achieve your resolutions overnight so you need a way to stay motivated. By staying focused and setting deadlines for each goal you can keep motivated and obtain your goals. When writing a measurable you should think of these questions:
- How will I know when I have accomplished this goal?
- How Much?
- How Many?
3. Achievable
Goals should help you stretch and achieve things just beyond your reach. This also means that your goals need to be realistic and attainable in order for you to see success. When setting achievable goals you should consider these questions:
- How will I be able to accomplish this goal?
- Is this goal realistic in the amount of time set?
4. Relevant
You will be able to achieve your goals this year if you ensure that they have meaning to you. There will be no motivation to pursue a goal if someone else is telling you to do it. We can use others for support and assistance but in the end, you have to make sure you have control over you goals at the end of the day. You are the one who is responsible for your goals so make sure they mean something to you. When contemplating if a goal is relevant to you make sure that you can answer yes to these questions:
- Is this the right time
- Does this matter to my needs or wants?
- Does this mean something to me?
5. Time-bound
If you are setting a goal without an end date in mind it makes it harder to have to motivation to work on your goal. You will find excuses to push it off. Whether it is a month, 6 months, or the entire year, having a time-bound plane will help you make time for your goals and prevent procrastination. When planing the timing of a goal, try and answer these questions:
- When?
- What do I want to be accomplished 6 months from now?
- What daily steps can I take toward my goal?
Get Writing Your Smart Goals Now
When you use the SMART method for writing goals for the 2023 year you will be able to keep track of your progress much better. You will also be able to hold yourself accountable because of the plan you have laid out. Start small and work your way up to bigger goals. Remember, you want to set goals that make you reach but aren’t impossible to achieve.