Achieving Success with SMART Goals: A Guide to New Year’s Resolutions
NEW YEAR NEW YOU..
The start of a new year often marks a time for reflection and the setting of ambitious resolutions. While it's fantastic to use the motivation and energy that a brand new year laid out in front of you to make plans to better yourself
However, while the enthusiasm behind New Year’s resolutions is commendable, the journey to success is often fraught with challenges and common pitfalls as to why these resolutions fail. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you navigate potential challenges and increase your chances of success:
Before you jump right in to planning for 2024, try this exercise-
Find your 2023 resolutions- were they hit or miss?
While it might feel a bit demotivating or negative to reflect allllll the way back to last year, reflection is a great tool for progress.
If you hit your goals- spend some time revelling in that feeling of achievement- feel proud, soak in the satisfaction of a job well done. And then look deeper and work out WHY you were able to achieve them- what did it take for you to set those goals and then work really realllllllyyy hard to make them happen?
If you missed- thats OK! Life is about learning, work out what the issue was. Take one of last years goals and compare to the SMART framework below to see if these some workshopping you could do to set yourself up for success.
Okay back to the present...
Why Resolutions Fail
Lack of Specificity
Unrealistic Expectations
Poor Planning
Lack of Accountability
Absence of a Support System
Not Adapting to change
Lack of Intrinsic Motivation
Focusing Only on Outcome Goals
Now we understand the common reasons for resolution dissolution let’s focus on the positives! To increase your likelihood of SUCCESS try incorporating SMART Goals to provide the structure and clarity needed for effective goal setting.
Setting SMART Goals for New Year’s Resolutions
SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound.
Be Specific: Define clear Goals
Make Goals Measurable: Set Quantifiable Targets
Ensure Goals are Achievable: Set realistic Targets
Keep Goals Relevant: Align with Your Values
Time-Bound Goals : Set a Deadline
By incorporating SMART Goals and addressing these common barriers, you can significantly enhance your chances of successfully achieving and maintaining your New Year’s resolutions.
Remember that setbacks are a natural part of the process, and learning from them can contribute to long-term success. Celebrate your achievements, stay adaptive, and enjoy the journey toward becoming the best version of yourself in 2024.
If you want to learn more about SMART goals- check out this article detailing the guys who INVENTED smart goals and the science behind them by clicking the button below.
And most of GOOD LUCK, change is hard and any small action you take towards your goals is commendable!