Let’s Talk About: 2019 Goals the SMART Way

Happy New Year!! I can’t believe it is 2019!!! Whether you believe in making resolutions, affirmations, or goals, it is time to be proactive!! Life passes us by so quickly and we need to actively take advantage of the time we have to accomplish what we want in our lifetime. And it’s never too late to start. Even though the first day of the New Year is typically a starting off point for most, you can start achieving your goals anytime! Each and every day is a new day, so make the most of them, and make every moment count. And only regret what you don’t do, not what you try to do.

We all have goals but sometimes obstacles can get in our way to achieve them. Everyday goals like chores, errands, and paying bills typically get accomplished; it’s the short and long term goals that tend to go on the back burner – until now!! First and foremost, write them down. Sometimes I get an idea and I often forget it as the day or week goes on because I didn’t write it down. This includes items to add to my grocery list, too. The most important part to remember is not to wing it. Be intentional. Be mindful. And hustle! It will take perseverance, determination, dedication, and effort to achieve your goals this year. And you need to be prepared. Not only will this help you accomplish what you want, it will help you be less anxious while getting it all done! If you aren’t prepared, you will start to feel overwhelmed, and end up getting nothing done!

 

I am a sucker for office supplies, especially organizational ones like post-its and planners. So buy a journal or a planner to keep your life organized. Make lists. Make notes. I also love to be inspired, motivated, encouraged, and supported. So find some accountability partners that will keep you accountable all year long! And wish big, make a goal, and create a plan! You have a blank canvas to paint! What will you make? What colors will you choose?

 

Below is a way I have learned to implement my goals and successfully achieve them. I hope it works for you, too! Moms are wired to multi-task, but studies have shown that focusing on one goal at a time will help you accomplish more than if you tried a little of this and a little of that at any given time.

 

And here is my challenge for you. Make a list of goals using the SMART method this week. The SMART Method is an effective way to achieve your goals. Take it one day at a time, then a week at a time, then a month at a time. And then choose only 1-3 goals to accomplish for the year. If you achieve all of your goals early on in the year, make more! I only recommend not to put them off – saying to yourself that you have 11 more months to figure it all out – no procrastinating! Life happens and many factors beyond our control may influence whether we accomplish certain goals, so forgive yourself if a few goals slip through the cracks.

 

S: Specific (make your goal as specific and clearly defined as possible and do not leave any room for loopholes)

 

M: Measurable (make sure your goal is easily measured when it is completed with tangible evidence – leave no gray areas uncovered)

 

A: Attainable (set yourself up for success and make sure your goal is something you can realistically achieve. Challenge yourself but also start with small goals first before flying to the moon)

 

R: Relevant (make sure your goal is relevant to what you can achieve in your life right now)

 

T: Time-Bound (set a date to achieve your goal by with some sense of urgency so you will feel some pressure and responsibility to get it done)

 

Here are some of my 2019 goals!!!! I like to set up my goals for the day, for the week, for the month, quarterly, and yearly.

 

Daily:

Get up one hour earlier each morning before the kids wake up

Have more intentional quiet time with God

Weekly:

Workout 3x/week

Meal Plan for the week in advance

Plan activities and crafts for the week in advance

Monthly:

Read a new book each month

Print and backup documents and photos

Quarterly:

Date Nights: minimum 1x/quarter

Volunteer/Donate: minimum 1x/quarter

Yearly:

Publish a Book

Renew Passports

Run a 10k

Go on a 5+ day vacation

 

What are some of your goals? I’d love to hear about them and support you!