Start Making S.M.A.R.T. Goals for Better Results

Jan 14, 20212 min read

Do you find yourself stuck with your new year's resolution?

Maybe you've really pushed yourself this time, but you're already burning out.

Or maybe you've set your goal but lack the motivation.

According to research done by U.S. News & World Report, 80% of new year resolutions begin to fizzle out around mid-February. This is mostly due to unrealistic expectations that we put upon ourselves. Considering that a fairly large percent of resolutions are health or finance related, you can imagine how important it is that we make our goals more achievable to ensure better results.

Start making S.M.A.R.T. goals instead of desperate ones.

The acronym S.M.A.R.T. stands for:

Specific
Measurable
Attainable
Relevant
Timely

When deciding on your new year's resolution, or any goal for that matter, it is important to keep these standards in mind. You should even write out the details so that you really can see your goal coming to life (see free printable below).

Here is an example of how you can write out your goals:

MY GOAL: Lose weight and get healthy

SPECIFIC: I'd like to lose 15 pounds before summer to start a healthier lifestyle and to feel comfortable in a new swim suit.

MEASURABLE: My goal is measurable by the exact number of pounds I'd like to lose--15 pounds.

ATTAINABLE: My goal is realistic because 15 pounds would bring me to a healthier weight and will help me focus more on healthy lifestyle changes instead of just numbers on a scale.

RELEVANT: Although I am not overweight, I'd like to watch my weight for the future.

TIMELY: I am giving myself 6 months to reach this goal so that I can focus more on lifestyle changes and maintaining a healthy weight rather than just losing pounds. I also want to maintain balance in my life with being a mother, wife, friend, and worker and not become consumed in my weight loss.

Once you've written out your goals, you'll be more likely to achieve them, and you may even exceed your goal!