Setting S.M.A.R.T. New Year’s resolutions

Do you participate in the classic New Year’s resolution set and forget? You set your goals, and then like a dream they drift away from your memory before you reach them? You’re not alone, but you might be more likely to succeed if your objectives are clearly defined. The S.M.A.R.T. method is a goal-setting guide that stands for specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bound. No matter what your goal is—big or small, financial or physical—this is a process that helps forecast obstacles and solutions, setting your goals in motion.

This is your starting point! What are you trying to accomplish? Think about the change you want to make and exactly what steps need to be taken to achieve it. Instead of a broad goal like sleeping more, try setting a goal to be in bed by 10 p.m. each night. Specificity is your friend when it comes to effective goal setting.

Think about how you can measure the progress you make. What metrics will you use to determine if you’ve met your goal? How frequently will you evaluate it? Quantifying your goal gives you parameters for tracking your progress. “Be in bed by 10 p.m. every night this week” becomes “Get 8 hours of sleep per night.” Now the plan is clear, and you have something to measure.

This is the point in the process where you give yourself a reality check. Do you have the resources you need to accomplish your goal? Would it be helpful to ask friends and family for tips for a successful bedtime routine? Will you need to cut your caffeine intake after 2 p.m., or set alarms to remind yourself it’s time for bed? Think of goal setting as creating a road map with specific, manageable tasks.

Being honest with what you can take on up front will help you avoid setbacks down the line. Yes, you want your goal to challenge you, but you also need to set yourself up for success. Maybe there are days when your schedule does not allow for a 10 p.m. bedtime, but does 4 out of 7 nights feel doable? You shouldn’t expect to be perfect every time. Small victories are still victories! 

Commit to a time frame so you can properly measure success. Your timeline should be practical and allow you the freedom to make adjustments to your goal regarding how realistic, achievable and specific it is. “In 4 weeks, I want to have a regular bedtime of 10 p.m. at least 4 nights a week.”

“Sleep more” now has a smart plan: Increase the amount of sleep I get by creating a nighttime routine that gets me in bed by 10 p.m. Ask friends and family for their tips for better sleep, and do not consume caffeine after 2 p.m.

S.M.A.R.T. goals can be applied to all different aspects of life, like your financial goals. Remember, it’s okay to adjust your goals as needed. Flexibility is key—life changes, and so might your goals. Creating new behavior patterns can be difficult, but it’s much easier with a plan. And once you hit a goal, make sure to celebrate! Recognizing your hard work and commitment will help keep you motivated and prevent future goals from feeling like a chore. With S.M.A.R.T. goal setting, there’s no telling how much you can accomplish.