New Year Goals Made Easy

Make new year's goals you can attain.

It's that time of year again-- setting new year's goals. Many of you have heard, in your work environment, about setting SMART goals. SMART stands for goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Defining these parameters as they pertain to your goal is supposed to help ensure that your objectives are attainable within a certain time frame. But as personal goals are set, these parameters may be too stringent or just may not apply to any goal you set for your physical or mental well-being and progress as an individual.

Instead, here are suggestions for new parameters for personal SMART goals.

S - Start small

Setting your personal goal allows you to build on your successful completion. Break down larger goals into smaller components. For example, if your goal is exercising, start with a small set of repetitions, then increase it as you follow through with your goal. This way you can build momentum and the confidence to tackle bigger challenges.

M - Make yourself happy

Your goals should make you happy, not stressed out or feel deflated. Consider what you want to achieve and how it will affect your well-being. Goals can include activities that help you find your peaceful nature or bring feelings of fulfillment. Categories can be as wide-ranging as desires to travel, setting financial goals, or creating new family traditions.

A - Attainable

It's said that if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. But sometimes failing just happens, whether you've planned or not. If your goals aren't attainable, you are setting yourself up to fail. Break down your goals into smaller tasks (see “S” above), determine "why" you want to achieve it, and realize you may need buffer time to give yourself a break. Focusing on continuation and consistency, rather than completion, may help you successfully reach that goal sooner than you think.

R - Root for yourself

The only person that can truly motivate yourself is you! Take a deep breath and think through your emotions. Take notes of what triggers any frustrations. Then talk yourself through difficulties. Self-encouragement is the key to successful goal achievement. And as you encourage yourself to succeed, you will gain more confidence.

T - Treat yourself when you reach your goal

Make your goal completion a celebration. Choose a good book, or purchase something you've had your eye on. Sleep in. Eat your favorite meal. Relax, pop some popcorn, and stream a new movie to watch. The idea is to give yourself recognition for accomplishing your goal, improving yourself, and encouragement to make further goals.

Goals and resolutions provide you a life path that includes more direction and satisfaction. Vowing to make improvements to your life and reaching milestones helps encourage the feeling to keep going. No matter what you set your mind to, nothing feels better than proving to yourself that you can complete your goals.