With 2022 just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to turn a new page.  Establish new routines or drop a bad habit; people are keen to make plans to better themselves and their lives by planning a New Year’s resolution.  Here’s how to identify the right resolution to improve your life, create a plan on how to reach it, and successfully stay on track throughout the year.

 

 

Specific. 

What exactly needs to be accomplished? Who else might be involved? Where will this take place? Why do I want to accomplish this?  Make a concrete and clear goal like:  How much weight do you want to lose and at what time interval?  Five pounds in the next two months.

 

Measurable. 

How will I know if I have succeeded? How many steps will it take to achieve this?  Log progress into a journal, a whiteboard or take notes on your phone to reinforce the progress, no matter what your resolution may be.  This will reinforce your behavior and keep you accountable.

 

Achievable. 

Do I have the resources I need to make this happen? Is this goal neither too easy, nor too hard for me to accomplish? Will the steps I have planned help me reach my goal?  Think big, but remember to break down these steps into smaller achievable goals.   Focus on these small wins so you can make gradual progress. 

 

Relevant. 

Can I commit to this goal? Will I not be able to reach another goal or do something else I want to do because I am working towards this goal?  Is this a goal that really matters to you, and are you making it for the right reasons?  Good planning should be about self-love.

 

Time-bound.

When is the deadline? When do I need to take action?  Give yourself enough time to succeed and have an end-date in mind.  Don’t forget to reward yourself when you reach your goals!

 

Take your time and answer each of these questions as you create your goal. Using the SMART goal framework, you have the power to decide if a goal is a good fit, or if it needs reworking to ensure success.  Join the small group of people who successfully achieve their goals this season.  Be patient and gentle with yourself, and remember to see the learning opportunity in setbacks.  The path toward your goal is not always a straight one, and there will often be challenges along the way.  Always move forward, and 2022 will be your most successful year to date.

 

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