There is no doubt that 2020 has been one of the most challenging years for most people. Between a worldwide pandemic, unemployment numbers skyrocketing, inequality issues and protests, statewide wildfires, governmental impeachment, shocking celebrity death (Kobe Bryant and Chadwick Boseman), and other devastating news, society at some point has hit a point in 2020 of sadness and/or stress. We all have hope that 2021 will bring much relief, hope, positivity, and change to our lives. 

Every year, around this time, we tend to make goals and New Year’s Resolutions. This year may be even more important than ever, given the events of 2020. 2020 has opened many of our eyes to what we deserve, need, and want in our lives. But how do we set a good goal that can be accomplished and not forgotten?

SMART Goals

Oftentimes, we make generalized goals. We focus on goals that anyone can reach at any time. When we reach those goals, we don’t feel satisfied. The opposite may happen as well. Our goal may be so generalized that we never reach it. Equally, we don’t receive satisfaction. Why is that? 

Goals should be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time Measured ) in nature. 

Specific

Our goals need to be specific to our needs and wants. Without being specific, reaching those goals isn’t as fulfilling. Saying I want to lose weight means something different than saying I want to lose 20 pounds. The more specific the goals are, the more likely you are to strive to achieve success in that goal. 

Measurable

Going hand in hand with specific goals, your goals should be measurable. Having a measurable goal gives you a starting point and an ending point to measure progress. The measurable part of the goal may be intertwined with the specificity, but sometimes the measurement could be separate. 

Attainable

When speaking of measurable goals, they should be attainable. By setting a specific and measurable goal, you have a focus. That focus is pointless if the goal is unattainable. If you’re looking to lose weight, aiming for half a pound to two pounds a week may be realistic. That is an attainable goal. It is a goal you can reach! Choosing unattainable goals will make someone give up on themselves. Setting a goal to lose 40 pounds a month is not attainable for me. You have to know what you are capable of reaching with your motivation and your abilities.

Relevant

The goals should be relevant to you. A goal should be important to you. The more important a goal is to you, the more likely you are to reach that goal. I’m not going to set a goal to walk a mile a day when I already accomplish that daily. That goal will not be important to me, and I’ll get no satisfaction from reaching it.

Time Measured

It’s important to set a timeframe for achieving the goal. It should be specific and realistic. I know setting a goal to lose 30 pounds in two weeks is not realistic for me. If I set a goal to lose 30 pounds in six months, I know I can succeed. The time frame is incredibly important in measuring progress toward reaching your goals.

More importantly, declare the goal. Don’t state the goal as a want, but as a manifestation. 

Example Generalized Goals:

• I will lose weight.
• I will travel.
• I will learn new skills.
• I will learn yoga.
• I will clean my house.
• I will ride my bike.

Example Specific Goals: 

• I will lose 20 pounds to improve my health within the first three months of 2021.
• I will travel to Nashville, Tennessee, to explore career options between June 2021 and August 2021. 
• I will take an Adobe Photoshop course to expand my career abilities by April 2021. 
• I will learn and master 10 new yoga poses by December 2021. 
• I will clean my house once a week according to the following schedule:
  • Sunday: Laundry, Dishes, Vacuum
  • Monday: Dusting, Dishes, Vacuum
  • Tuesday: Organizing, Dishes, Vacuum
  • Wednesday: Mirrors, Counters, Laundry, Dishes, Vacuum
  • Thursday: Walls, Baseboards, Dishes, Vacuum
  • Friday: Fridge, Oiling Cabinets, Dishes, Vacuum
  • Saturday: Bathroom, Dishes, Vacuum
• I will ride my bike at least one mile a day around the neighborhood to improve my health by May 2021. 

Setting goals has always been important. Undoubtedly, 2021 will be one of the biggest growth years for everyone. Setting SMART Goals helps you achieve success, have something to look forward to, and something to celebrate when the goal is reached.