It’s that time of the year again: an exciting time of setting our New Year’s resolutions. A lot of us feel motivated and set intentions for the upcoming year that make us feel excited for the future. However, most of us, after only a few weeks, dismiss our resolutions and we fail to achieve our goals. There is a way to prevent this from happening! You can be successful in achieving your New Year’s resolutions with a simple method I discuss below! 2020 is your year!
How to easily achieve your goals for the upcoming year
In order to easily achieve your New Year’s resolutions, use the SMART method when setting your intentions. A goal is a smart goal when it is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-limited (“SMART”).
The characteristics of a SMART goal are:
- Specific: A smart goal is specific and not vague. It clearly states what needs to be done and when.
- Measurable: A goal is smart when you can easily determine when you have achieved the goal. That’s why it is important to specify a measurement when setting your goals. For example, instead of saying you want to eat healthier, state that you will eat vegetables at every meal for the next 3 months. That goal is much more specific and measurable.
- Attainable: A smart goal is achievable. Setting gradual goals that are attainable is much more motivating than setting a very ambitious goal that might not happen for a very long time. Create a plan that allows you to achieve your ambitious goals by defining small attainable goals along the way.
- Realistic: Set goals that are realistic for you, that excite you and ones that are possible to achieve. For example, if you absolutely hate going to the gym but your goal is to lose 10 pounds, set a goal to workout at home for 45 minutes 3 times a week.
- Time-limited: A smart goal comes with a timeframe. A timeframe is motivating as it clearly states by when you should accomplish your goals or for how long.
I use the smart method for my goals. My goals for the upcoming year are very concrete and measurable as I find that I am more likely to accomplish them when I know exactly what I need to do. If you make your goals too generic, they will be much easier to break. I can’t wiggle my way out of my goals as they are not vague. The finish line is very clear.
Smart New Year’s Resolutions Ideas
If you are still planning out your intentions for the new year, here is a list of 30+ SMART New Year’s Resolutions ideas (a.k.a. a list of clearly defined goals for the New Year).
My personal intentions for 2020
2019 was a great year! I crushed my main New Year’s Resolution which was to read a new book once a month. I actually read 26 books and discovered my love of reading again. I now read almost everyday and I love all of the knowledge I’m gaining! I am hoping 2020 will be the same: full of new experiences and newly discovered knowledge. My top 5 intentions for 2020 are:
- Visit at least 3 new places
- Read 25 books
- Workout at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes
- Post at least once weekly on my blog
- Pray everyday for at least 10 minutes
Let me know in the comments below what you are hoping to accomplish in the upcoming year. And remember, to give yourself a much better chance of achieving your goals, transform any generic or vague resolution into a SMART goal!
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