Want to Keep Those New Year's Resolutions? Try Setting SMART Goals

Tired of making New Year’s resolutions that never seem to stick? 

You are not alone, according to www.statisticbrain.com 45% of Americans make New Year’s resolutions, but a mere 8% actually achieve their resolutions. 

Here is another interesting fact, people who do actually take the time to make specific resolutions are 10 times more likely to attain their goals than people who do not make any resolutions at all!  

Year after year you hear of people making resolutions and not sticking to them.  If you want proof, just head to your local gym in January and you will be waiting in line to use a machine.  However, by the end of February you will likely have your pick of machines to choose from.  This is the result of people who fall prey to the notion of immediate gratification.  We want results and we want them now!

So how do you break this self-defeating cycle?  Easy…try setting SMART goals instead.  The business world has been using SMART goals for many years as a way to help engage and motivate employees.  Why not apply the same concept to goals outside the office?  

SMART goals are broken down as follows:

Specific:  Goals should be clearly defined and include: Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How.  The more clearly defined the goal…the more likely you will stick to it.

Measurable:  Goals should be able to be measured.  Having concrete criteria for measuring the progress you have made toward attaining your goals will help keep you in check.

Attainable:  Goals should be challenging, yet still achievable.  Be realistic about the amount of time you have to devote to your goals, while keeping in mind any physical or mental limitations. 

Realistic:  Choose goals that matter to you.  Goals that you deem relevant and worthwhile will keep you more motivated and on track to achieve them. 

Time-Bound:  Goals should include a deadline for completion.

Happy Goal Setting!