With less than 20 days left before the end of the year, 2018 is coming fast and yet most people haven’t even started preparing for the year ahead. You may be asking yourself: Preparation? Preparation for what?
Well, as a new year approaches many people start to reflect on the previous year. As they reflect they may think of things they want to change and improve. That’s typically when they create New Year’s resolutions. Well, according to one commonly cited statistic, only 8 percent of people keep their New Year’s resolutions. There are many reasons people don’t stick to their resolutions, from setting too many of them to getting derailed by small failures.
As a business coach, I never want you to fail. That’s why I am going to tell you to not set New Year’s resolutions. It’s time to work smarter; instead of setting New Year’s resolutions, lets’ work together to create goals that will carry us throughout the next year and beyond. Then let’s take it one step further and create a plan for these goals so that success is guaranteed. We do this by making our goals S.M.A.R.T.
Using the S.M.A.R.T. principle you set yourself up for success from the start. As you reach each goal you can push yourself further and reach even more goals. So, what does this all mean?
S: Be Specific: Your goals should specifically state what you want to accomplish. They must be clear. You need to define and understand exactly what you are aiming to do and what success will look like.
For example, rather than stating you would like to have a better work/life balance, set a specific goal that defines what that means. Is it new hours at work? Is it preplanned family activities? Is it creating a better schedule? Whatever that specifically means to you- define it. Because remember, specific is terrific. Also, understand why you want to accomplish that goal? What will success look like?
M: Make them Measurable: Your goal should be able to be measured in some way, so you can see if you achieved it or not. Making your goal measurable will also help you to keep track of your progress.
How will you measure the success of your goals?
A: Are your goals Achievable: To achieve your goals you must be willing to make some sort of effort. What will you do to make your goals happen? What is your plan?
R: Are they Realistic: One thing to always remember is that a goal is a not a wish. It really needs to be something that you are committed to changing, willing to improve, and able to make happen with the proper effort. If you have many goals, it’s important to start small. Building up in increments is a great way to make multiple goals more realistic.
T. Lastly, and essential to the process, is defining a Time: Set a date for when you want to accomplish your goals so that you can keep yourself accountable.
So, my challenge to you is to come up with 2 Personal and 2 Professional S.M.A.R.T Goals for 2018. And when you need help accomplishing them, reach out. Our team is ready, willing and able to help. Together we will make a path for your success.
Jaime Marco is the owner and President of Evolve Business Consulting. Jaime is a graduate of the University of Central Florida in Orlando and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Interpersonal Communications. Jaime has an established, comprehensive, and proven background in sales, branding, training & development, leadership coaching, facilitation, change management, business development and professional speaking – experience that she has cultivated over many years.
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