New Year’s Resolutions and How to Achieve Them

New year, new you? You don’t have to take drastic measures to set goals for yourself in the new year! Like most things, new year’s resolutions are easier said than done. Break your goals into bite size pieces by setting S.M.A.R.T. goals!

What are S.M.A.R.T. goals?

S.M.A.R.T. stands for:

Specific: Target a specific area for improvement (don’t make it too generic).

Measurable: Create a goal that is quantifiable (i.e. dollars, lbs., minutes, percentage, numerical, etc.) and trackable. Ask yourself: What evidence can I use to prove that I’ve made progress?

Achievable: Set goals that are reasonably attainable. For example, if you are setting a savings goal, ensure that the amount you choose is reasonable for your income.

Relevant: Create goals that support your longer term goals and reflect your values. They should support broader objectives. Ask yourself: What do I want my lifestyle to look like in 10 years? Does this goal work towards that bigger picture?

Time-bound: Choose an end-date for your goal. Selecting a reasonable date, can motivate you to take the appropriate steps. It also allows you to create milestones for evaluating your progress. For example, if you have an entire year to complete your goal, you can assess your progress on a monthly and quarterly basis. If you are behind your benchmark, then you can adjust accordingly to catch up.

I used S.M.A.R.T. goals ALL the time in my corporate job! I’ve applied this method to my blogging business and personal goals as well! Check out some examples below, so you get an idea of how to set up these goals for yourself.

Instead of “save more money,” try setting a S.M.A.R.T. goal like this:

Save $12,000 by December 31st, 2021 by:

• Setting a monthly budget by January 10th, 2021
• Tracking previous month’s spending on the 1st of every month to ensure I stick to my budget
• Placing at least $1,000 from each monthly paycheck immediately into savings account

Tip: You can also create smaller goals that roll up into this goal. i.e. Save money by making coffee from home 5 times a week.

Instead of “read more,” try:

Read at least 1 book each month by:

• Dedicating 1 hour before bed, 5 nights a week to reading.

Now that you understand the S.M.A.R.T. method, try setting some goals of your own!

Here are some “generic” New Year’s Resolutions that might inspire you to create S.M.A.R.T. goals tailored to your lifestyle:

• Learn how to …. (code, sew, ski, paint, play the guitar, etc.)
• Prioritize eco-friendly choices
• Volunteer
• Create a skincare routine
• Start my own business
• Save for a down payment on a house
• Support local businesses
• Start a new job // Apply to grad school
• Earn a promotion
• Buy a car
• Create a cleaning schedule
• Drink less alcohol
• Eat healthier
• Improve cardio health
• Drink more water
• Start a family
• Attend church regularly
• Stay connected with friends and family
• Eat less animal product
• Stay organized
• Journal daily
• Declutter
• Spend time outdoors

I am very optimistic about 2021. Hope your year is off to an amazing start, and I am wishing the best for you and your family!

If you have any 2021 goals you are working on, drop them in the comments!