New Year Resolutions: SMART Goals

As 2018 ends many turn to reflective practices where they think through the year. Some celebrate the years accomplishments while others are so glad to see the year go with hope of a new and better yea. Many of us start to think through what we can change and start to make resolutions for the new year. Some resolutions are common. Some are unique. Some common New Years Resolutions are:

• Get in Shape
• Eat Healthier
• Lose weight
• Improve health
• Get along better with your husband, wife, life partner, boyfriend, girlfriend.
• Make new friends
• Earn more money
• Reduce Stress
• Get better Sleep
• Read more
• Find a partner
• Improve your sex life
• Give up a habit such as smoking
• Get a new job
• Get a new career
• Start a new hobby
• Learn how to control your emotions
• Spend less time on social media
• Stop Procrastinating
• Not worry so much
• Better morning routines of getting out of the house

Whatever your New Years resolution how do you go about making a change. Often we know what we want to change but it is easy to fall into the same routine. Sometimes New Years Resolutions can be about an underlying issue. Here are some things to consider to help you make a change.

Vision- What is the goal you are wanting to achieve. What is the desired outcome?

Use SMART Goals to help you achieve your goal So now that you have a vision of the big goal how do you make it something you can achieve. The SMART goal method can help you achieve smaller goals to add up to your bigger goal.

S- Specific

M- Measurable

A- Attainable

R- Realistic

T- Timely

Often we neglect self care practices such as making sure we get plenty of water every day. Maybe you find yourself dehydrated and exhausted in the afternoon. Maybe your heart races and your anxiety goes up when you are dehydrated. Let’s say you figured out you are only drinking 8 oz of water and the rest is coffee.

You have identified the problem. Now set the goal. Maybe you want to aim for 64 oz of water every day. Maybe you think well I have been drinking only 8 oz and it sounds overwhelming to go from 8 to 64. You decide for the first week you will focus on drinking 16 oz.

You set a goal

Specific- I will drink 16 oz of water every day.

Measurable- I bought a new water bottle that I won’t lose because it is not so big and bulky. I know I will reach my water goal when I drink the entire water bottle.

Attainable- I set a realistic goal, I don’t really like water. I was overwhelmed thinking about drinking 8 x the amount I usually drink.

Realistic- I can realistically drink one water bottle every day. I started noticing I could drink a little bit when I woke up and when I was at the office.

Timely- I set a weekiy goal. I will re-evaluate at the end of each day and adapt my goal for the next day.

Once you have set the goal and check in with yourself determine what is causing challenges.

Readjust your goal if you find you are not doing it. Ask for help. Maybe your goal is wellness or financial. Find an app to help support and monitor your progress. There are apps that help you remember to drink water.

Maybe you are looking to set a bigger goal this year and want help figuring out what challenges are blocking your success. Have you tried the same goal year after year only to find yourself frustrated and exhausted over the same problem.

I often work with people to find solutions and process through obstacles. Obstacles can sometimes be linked to emotional needs. Emotional self care can be a big part of meeting goals. Does anxiety get in your way? Stress?

Give me a call if you want someone to help you reach your goals in 2019