New Year, New Goals
With the New Year upon us, reflecting on what we want the next year to look like is natural. There are many ways to plan the new year, including vision boards, mantras, etc. However, creating goals can be daunting, and many people experience feelings of inadequacy when they cannot reach their goals. Not attaining one’s goals can cause feelings of anxiety and depression as people cannot meet the expectations that they put on themselves. Conversely, reaching one’s goal can be a powerful self-esteem booster and improve overall mental health. It raises the question for many people: How do you create long-term realistic goals? One answer is using the concept of SMART goals during the goal-setting process.
What are SMART Goals
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives designed to provide clear direction and criteria for successful goal setting and achievement.
SMART GOALS
Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Relevant
Time-Bound
Specific
Goals need to be specific and clear.
Measurable
How will you measure your goal? Your goals should be measurable and quantifiable. Making sure your goals are measurable is vital to track progress.
Achievable
Ask yourself, are your goals realistic and achievable for you? Achievability is an essential aspect of creating sustainable goals. The goals must be personalized to you and your life, not someone else’s.
Relevant
Are your goals relevant to you and your overall objectives? Creating relevant and important goals will make it easier for you to remember why those goals are worth pursuing in the first place.
Time-Bound
Does your goal have a timeframe? A set time frame or deadline can create urgency and help with overall time management.
Remember
Remember that you can always check in with yourself and adjust your goals. Life is consistently changing, and sometimes, an adjustment here and there is helpful in the long run. That being said, sticking to the SMART goal format will help you create attainable, realistic goals to help us move forward and increase the number of goals we can achieve.
Questions?
Does this process seem too challenging to do on your own? Set up a call now for a free 15 minute consultation to learn more.