New Year Resolutions versus Goals:
When the new year comes around, we all make a list of resolutions even if its just in our heads. But comes February most of us fall off the wagon already and give up on the idea of becoming better. Did you know that just 8% of people achieve their New Year Resolution? I know, you are not alone... But don't you wish you could be in that 8%? So what's the difference between resolutions and goals:
- Resolutions are only a way to express a desire. I call it "wishful thinking'. I'm going to lose weight. I'm going to exercise, I'm going to be more organized.
- Goals on the other hand are more like results you want achieve with an end result. I want to lose 10 lb. I'm going to organize my desk. They are already more specific.
But still it does not plan how you are going to achieve this. There's been no thinking on how you can implement this in your life and if its possible. It remains an idea with no plans. So even though having a goal is important and a great first step, only people who commit to them and think about them are the ones who achieve results.
Goals is what create results only if you make them SMART!! But What does it mean? It means your goals need to be:
- Specific: State what you're going to do and how you're going to do it. If it's to lose 10 lb., say how you're planning on doing that. (Stop drinking sodas, see a nutritional coach, go to the gym)
- Measurable: Track your progress. You'll get motivated by the results when it gets tough.
- Achievable: This is a reality check, It has to be a reasonable goal. Is it something that you can actually achieve? It is better to have smaller goals that you reach than big ones that you don't.
- Relevant/ Realistic: Why is this important? Will this make an impact to your life? How will this fit in your real life?
- Timely: When are you starting? Write it on your calendar and start! When do you want this to be done by? Set a dead line and write it down. Stick to it.
Put this in practice, one small goal at a time. Take the first step. You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Right?
So what ARE your intentions for this New Year? Write them down and start planning!
Be SMART!!
When the new year comes around, we all make a list of resolutions even if its just in our heads. But comes February most of us fall off the wagon already and give up on the idea of becoming better. Did you know that just 8% of people achieve their New Year Resolution? I know, you are not alone... But don't you wish you could be in that 8%? So what's the difference between resolutions and goals:
- Resolutions are only a way to express a desire. I call it "wishful thinking'. I'm going to lose weight. I'm going to exercise, I'm going to be more organized.
- Goals on the other hand are more like results you want achieve with an end result. I want to lose 10 lb. I'm going to organize my desk. They are already more specific.
But still it does not plan how you are going to achieve this. There's been no thinking on how you can implement this in your life and if its possible. It remains an idea with no plans. So even though having a goal is important and a great first step, only people who commit to them and think about them are the ones who achieve results.
Goals is what create results only if you make them SMART!! But What does it mean? It means your goals need to be:
- Specific: State what you're going to do and how you're going to do it. If it's to lose 10 lb., say how you're planning on doing that. (Stop drinking sodas, see a nutritional coach, go to the gym)
- Measurable: Track your progress. You'll get motivated by the results when it gets tough.
- Achievable: This is a reality check, It has to be a reasonable goal. Is it something that you can actually achieve? It is better to have smaller goals that you reach than big ones that you don't.
- Relevant/ Realistic: Why is this important? Will this make an impact to your life? How will this fit in your real life?
- Timely: When are you starting? Write it on your calendar and start! When do you want this to be done by? Set a dead line and write it down. Stick to it.
Put this in practice, one small goal at a time. Take the first step. You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great. Right?
So what ARE your intentions for this New Year? Write them down and start planning!
Be SMART!!
Author
Sophie Bent is a Professional Organizer & Productivity Consultant @Bent On Organizing, LLC. She is a NAPO Specialist in Residential Organizing in South Florida and has been organizing businesses and homes since 2008. Contact her at 561-404-7181 or www.bentonorganizing.com
RSS Feed