So, only a few more hours and 2010 will be over. I actually found myself today feeling some anxiety about being the 31st of December. Somewhere inside of me I felt myself saying… oh no… I’m not ready… it’s too soon to flip the calendar over ONE MORE YEAR!! But regardless of what I felt there isn’t anything I could do to stop the passing of the hours in the day, or take back or change anything about 2010. Anything that needs to be done will have to be done in 2011.
So how does one make sure that their goals are accomplished in 2011, and they don’t get stuck on December 31st 2011, feeling a sense of dread, or disappointment for things NOT accomplished over the year???????????? YOU MAKE A PLAN!
It is very important to make time to think about what you would like accomplish in 2011 and make a plan for how you are going to achieve it. Thinking about great ideas is only the first step. Having a plan of action for HOW you are going to accomplish that goal is imperative to making it happen.
S.M.A.R.T. goals is a tool that can help you make a realistic goals for yourself, and figuring out how to make these goals happen.
Specific – The goal should identify a specific action or event that will take place. Answers the question: Who and What?
Measurable – Include in the specific goal statement the measurements to be used to determine that the results or outcomes expected have been achieved. It answers the question: How?
Attainable – Goals should challenge people to do their best, but they need also be achievable
Realistic – To be realistic, a goal must represent an objective toward which you are both willing and able to work.
Timely – Enough time to achieve the goal and Not too much time, which can affect project performance. It answers the question: When?
I encourage you to not just write out the S.M.A.R.T goals, but to also set out monthly check in’s with yourself or even an accountability partner or team that can help to hold you to the short term deadlines you have set for yourself.
New Year’s tent to symbolize ‘new beginnings’ in our lives. People tend to make ‘resolutions’ and promises to themselves, God, and others, but many get distressed, disappointed or even hopeless when these goals don’t get accomplished. Making and sticking to a plan of action is integral to helping yourself stick to the important goals you would like to see accomplished in 2011.
In all the excitement of New Year’s Eve think about the things you really want to see happen for yourself in the coming year, and take time to write them out and make a plan for getting them done!!!
Good Luck!! And HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU!!!!!
