Have a SMART New Year!

In 2017 I found myself setting new year’s resolutions and, by this time in January, I was done. I had so much on my plate that the idea of adding some unrealistic expectation of myself was just too much. So I stopped. Instead, I focus on my intention for the new year and try to visualize what my year will look like. By the end of the year do I want to consistently feel better, move more, sleep better, or have more energy?

Once I set my intentions, I come up with small SMART goals that will keep me moving in the right direction. For example, if my intention is to feel better and have more energy, then a goal might be to prepare 5 meals each week so I can eat healthy and nurture my body, even when I don’t have time to cook. When I test my goals against the SMART criteria, it may look like this…

• Specific - Do I clearly know what I am working towards? Yes! To prepare 5 meals.

• Measurable - Can I measure this goal? Yes! My goal is 5 meals so I will prepare at least 5 meals.

• Attainable - Is it possible for me to actually do this? Yes! I can cook extra food on Sunday and freeze it.

• Relevant - Does this tie into my intention of feeling better and having more energy? Yes! If I consistently eat healthy and not opt for fast food when I’m busy, I will feel better and have more energy.

• Timely - Can I start this immediately and eventually make it a habit? Yes! After a few weeks, it will become a habit.

As I've moved away from resolutions to smaller SMART goals, I’ve noticed I feel less stressed about making changes in my life. It is far less daunting to think about 1-2 attainable goals, rather than big, sweeping resolutions. 

Try this method with some of your own goals and let me know how it goes!