When you rang in the new year a few weeks ago, did you look back on the past year and make a mental list of things you accomplished…and didn’t? And then, you probably made some new goals, otherwise called “New Year’s Resolutions.”
Sound familiar?
Resolutions can be grand things–like Bucket List trips, huge weight loss or fitness goals. They can be broad and unmeasurable like “get healthy” or “be kinder”. But, the best kind of goals are ones you are likely to achieve and ones that can be measured.
Examples of these are:
- Do something every day to make someone else’s day brighter.
- Exercise three times each week for at least 40 minutes.
- Eat two vegetables every day.
- Organize one drawer or one shelf each week.
While goals for the whole year are doable, especially if it’s a big goal broken down into smaller goals, those goals are also easier to lose track of. “Right –I did make a resolution ito learn to play pickleball, but I never bought a racket, so that one’s a lost cause.” Or “oops, I forgot about that resolution to start eating five fruits and veggies every day…I still only eat a few a week.” See what I mean about doable and measurable?
Businesses may make lofty goals for the year, like “increase sales by 20%” Or “gain 10 new clients by year’s end”. However, those types of goals are followed by tiny ones that incrementally move the needle towards achieving the big target. Make your personal goals just as detailed.
Small Steps for Smart Goals
The big target might be “get more organized”. But, this will get lost in the shuffle if you don’t break it down to smaller steps that are timely and measurable. This is also called “SMART Goals”. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
- Week 2-4: First make a task list of each room or area that needs organization
- Week 5: Next, purchase what you need to organize the first area. Find inspiration you might need–reality show, book or blog.
- Week 6: Plan what days and times you’ll organize.
- Week 7-8: Lastly, get it done! You could even break this down into smaller steps like: Empty half of the closet. Decide what to keep and what to donate. Drop it off at the donation center.
You get the idea!
Health Goals
Despite knowing how to eat healthy, most people don’t take the steps to get there so they fail. Imagine your goal is to take your lunch to work more often. The steps to get there might be:
- First, analyze what you need to inspire you to take your lunch. Do you need divided microwave dishes perfect for the task? Perhaps a big thermos to take breakfast smoothie in? (Even better if they’re cute:)
- Plan out two weeks of possible menus. Decide on a “start” day.
- Make a grocery list and purchase the items.
- Need more motivation? Start calculating how much you save by taking your lunch instead of going out, and what you can do with that money!
I wish you a year full of good health, fun, reachable goals! What are mine for the year? Research some volunteer opportunities and begin volunteering by mid year and learn to play pickleball and start playing by May 1st. Oh yes, those steps above for getting organized? Those are mine!
Want some more New Year inspiration? Check out this out:
Cheers!
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