As we enter the last part of 2019, people start to look forward to what they might want to change in their life. Things such as losing weight, getting healthier through exercise, or starting a new hobby they have always wanted to do, are very common. The trouble is that most people end up falling off early in the year and never get that momentum back.
It is often said that life gets in the way of what we really want, but is that truly the case? The top 3% of the population has one thing in common above all else – setting goals for themselves. Why does goal setting seem to be so effective? It gives you something that you can strive for. If you also place some emotion to the goal like: “I want to lose 20 lbs by March so I can enjoy playing with my kids at the beach on vacation.” This is both specific, time-sensitive, and emotional.
The acronym S.M.A.R.T goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time Sensitive) is used often in coaching circles. This same thing can be applied to your New Years Resolution. I would just add an E to the end making it a S.M.A.R.T.E goal, with E being Emotional. Without this, even SMART goals are hard to keep. Once you’ve written down your goal, make sure it aligns with your purpose you discovered from last month. If it does not – it will be hard to “fit into your life.” When you are living out your purpose in life, having goals around that purpose is easy to achieve as you are working on what you love. Use these tools to help you plan for a great 2020.
This is also a great time to look back at 2019 and write down 5 things that you are truly grateful for and proud of in your life – we don’t do this enough. Stop and smell the roses, celebrate your wins, don’t dwell on the loses, and continue to learn and grow each day.
Happy New Year.
-Dr. Brian Opp