Yet here we sit, at the beginning of another new year. It's a good time to look back on the previous year and be thankful for the blessings and attentive to the things that need to change in the year to come.
With the coming of a new year, comes a parade of resolutions. By definition, a resolution is "a firm decision to do or not do something."
I'm not putting down resolutions. They're a great starting point, but on their own, they're not necessarily helpful. I can decide to do or not do something. I can "want to" with all my heart, but unless I have a plan in place, come February 1st, most of my ambitious resolutions will have dissolved.
That's why this year, I'm not making resolutions. I'm making a plan. Without a plan, I know that my goals will fall short. My goals are a road map that will help me get to where I want to be by the end of the year.
I know myself well enough to know that if I try to fly by the seat of my pants, then the hard things will be left undone and all I'll have to show at the close the year, will be a bit more clutter and a handful of regrets.
You've probably heard this before, but the best goals are ones that are "SMART." -
- Specific - Describe exactly what you hope to accomplish. Avoid vague, blanket goals like "Be happier, get healthy." Instead choose things like "Write in a gratitude journal every 5 days a week." or "Walk a 5k"
- Measurable - Is it possible to evaluate whether you've met this goal? It's hard to measure "Be happier" but it is possible to measure whether or not you've written in a gratitude journal.
- Attainable - It's OK for goals to stretch you, but make sure that you're goal is something that you can actually accomplish.
- Relevant/Realistic - Do these goals fit in to your current season of life and the ultimate purpose and vision for your life/family.
- Time Bound - They have a specific goal deadline (in one month, 6 weeks, etc)
For this year, I'm dividing my goals into three specific areas. I'll show you how the SMART system works with my particular goals.
PROFESSIONAL
As a blogger, this year I want to grow as a writer and businesswoman through education and accountability. I will do this in the following ways.
- Write a minimum of three blog posts a week
- S - Write three blog posts.
- M - I can verify that I've written three posts.
- A - it is an attainable goal,
- R - ties into my goals to improve my blog,
- T - 3 times a week.
- Submit book proposal to agent by the end of January
- S - Submit book proposal
- M - Goal will be accomplished when proposal is e-mailed.
- A - This is attainable if I am disciplined with my time,
- R - This ties into my goal of being a published author,
- T - Deadline January 31.
- Spend an hour a week reading/researching/learning about the craft of writing through blog posts, books, and online educational courses.
- S - Spend an hour a week investing in educational resources
- M - I can set aside a specific hour each week for education.
- A - Should be attainable if done after the kids go to bed
- R - Ties into my goals of growing through education.
- T - weekly
PERSONAL
This year I want to do a better job of taking care of myself physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
- Be physically active by using a fitness monitor to keep track of physical activity. Goal of 10,000 steps a day.
- S - 10,000 steps a day
- M - Steps can be verified through fitness monitor
- A - It is the recommended amount of steps for a healthy lifestyle
- R - Ties into my goals of being healthier which will help me as a woman, wife, and mother.
- T - Daily
- I want to grow in my faith through a daily devotional time. I will be reading Jesus Today: Experience Hope Through His Presence
(aff link) daily and writing out my prayers and thoughts in a journal.
- S - Read Jesus Today daily
- M - Can be verified by checking my journal daily
- A - Since the readings are short, it should be easy to find at least ten minutes each day.
- R - Ties into my goals of growing in my faith
- T - Daily
- Participate in a Whole 30 meal plan starting Feb. 1st.
- S- Cut out processed foods for 30 days
- M - Can verify that foods are on plan
- A - Will require me to plan meals ahead of time
- R - Ties into my goals of promoting a healthy lifestyle
- T - 30 days - starting in February
FAMILY
- Start a family fun night once a week (Fridays). Do something fun like playing a game or watching a family movie.
- S - Family fun night (movie or game) once a week.
- M - I can write it on the calendar
- A - May not always be on Friday night, but we can find at least one day a week.
- R - Ties into my goals of growing closer as a family
- T - weekly
- Save enough for a fully-funded emergency fund (3-6 months living expenses) by Dec. 31st.
- S - 3-6 months living expenses
- M - I will know I've attained my goal when a certain $ amount is in savings.
- A - Will require discipline in savings and cutting back on spending. (3 months should be attainable, 6 months will be a more ambitious goal).
- R - Ties into my goals of saving/being a good steward of resources
- T - By Dec. 31st.
- Go out on a date with my spouse at least once a month
- S - Go out on a date with spouse once a month
- M - Can be written on calendar
- A - Our budget should allow a monthly date out to a restaurant or movie.
- R - Ties into goals of growing as a couple
- T - Monthly
The good thing about goals is that it helps put a plan into motion. Rather than just saying "This is what I want to do" A written goal will help you take your "want to" into "how to."
If you later on discover that a goal is not particularly realistic for this season, feel free to adjust it as needed. You're not graded on how well you do. The purpose is to be intentional in growing in specific areas. Even baby steps are a step in the right direction.
You can do it! I'm including a downloadable/printable handout to help you set some S.M.A.R.T goals for the new year! (Just right click and save the image below)
What are some goals you've set for the new year, and how are you going to be intentional about attaining them?
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