Let’s Talk About: A New Way to Set Goals This Year

Happy New Year!! Whether you believe in making resolutions, making affirmations, or making 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, anywhere. Each 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.

 

Some of the short term goals I have created for this year include eating dinner at the table as a family and planning each day more intentionally for me and my children by making time for crafts, reading, exercise, learning, playing, work, and music, which limits television watching, too! Some long term goals I have this year is to attend more conferences, implement more mom support groups, plan more events and workshops, start writing a book, and give back more!

 

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.

 

I just bought my 2018 calendar and I am so excited. I am a sucker for office supplies, especially organizational ones like post-its and planners. I also love to be inspired, motivated, encouraged, and supported. So wish big, make a goal, and create a plan! Below is a way I have learned to implement my goals and successfully achieve them. I hope it works for you, too! Remember, to start small and accomplish one goal at a time. 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.

 

Here is my challenge for you. Each day this week, make a list of goals using the SMART method. The SMART Method is an effective way to achieve your goals. You can also ask a family member or a friend to be an accountability partner and you can help each other accomplish more this year! Take it one day at a time, then a week at a time, then a month at a time. And then choose only 1-2 goals to accomplish for the year. 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)