It’s already January 12th, can you believe it? While most people have given up on one‘s New Year’s resolutions, I’m still going strong! It’s around this time of year that I like to reflect on the goals I would like to accomplish in the upcoming 12 months.
I use the following criteria when setting my annual goals:
1.The first step is to select three goals.
2. Set S.M.A.R.T. objectives.
3.Assign an early due date for completion
1. You won’t be able to use the excuse that you’re too busy or don’t have enough time to accomplish your goals if you limit yourself to just three. You don’t have to make a huge commitment in order to achieve smaller, more manageable goals along the way. Most people set themselves up for failure by making their goals too big, which makes them more likely to be ignored or rationalised away.
For example, SMART goals are SMART because they’re specific, measurable and attainable as well as realistic. Set realistic goals which can be attained in a reasonable amount of time by setting S.M.A.R.T. goals. A simple weight loss goal is a good place to start, but be sure to include specifics that cannot be disputed.
2. With 3 days of exercise per week, including one day of personal training and eliminating all processed foods (including ice cream), I’m hoping to lose 10 pounds by March 5th.
You can begin working toward a more ambitious overall goal once you’ve established a realistic short-term goal that you know you can accomplish.. It’s like trying to pull teeth out of a lion if you’re aiming for a vague and undefined goal. Having a clear and definite goal in mind can help you build your successes, stay motivated, as well as build toward a larger goal.
To achieve a vague and general goal is like trying to pull teeth out of an elephant.
3. An early deadline means the summer. Having a deadline that is too early can put a lot of pressure on you to really get to work. Is it possible that you’ll be able to “continue down the road” if you give oneself a year to accomplish your goal? As soon as you achieve your goal, you can start moving on to the next more quickly.