This time of year is a great time to look at your goals for next year. While you may be busy in holiday happenings, it can be theraputic to reflect on things that you would like to accomplish next year. Goal setting can seem overwhelming, but once you wrap your arms around them and incorporate them into your routine, they will become more manageable and achievable.
Goal Setting the SMART way
The most popular model for goal-setting these days are SMART goals as defined by Peter Drucker. Peter Drucker was a management consultant, author and strategist, who developed these guidelines. He was a productivity guru and when I was a productivity manager, his teachings were the basis of our measurement and efficiency models. The models have also been used in education and personal goal setting.
Specific – Make the goal specific. A goal such as “I want to drop a dress size” is better than, “I want to lose weight”.
Measurable – An example might be, I want to grow my savings by 10%.
Attainable – The goals must be achievable. If you have the drive for success, that is awesome, but you have to ensure that the goal is something that can truly be met. If not, it will be discouraging and will result in frustration.
Relevant – Are the goals realistic? Realistic goals will help increase your motivation. If you have ever felt overwhelmed or as if you are going in different directions, you may need to rethink what you are trying to accomplish.
Time Related – Set deadlines. If you want to grow assets, lose weight, increase blog followers, you have to give yourself timelines. Even if you do not meet them (and you will not always because of uncertainty of life), setting time constraints will help you adjust your perspective and ultimately, reach your goal.
I am posting this now, because with the business of the season, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and maybe even at times, unmotivated. When we have so many things that we think we need to do, we can feel like we are not progressing. So if you are feeling overwhelmed, step away and take a few minutes to think about where you want to go. With the right map, you will be on your way.
Be sure to check out my free goal setting planner worksheet. It is never too late to make a new goal!
Sharon says
December 6, 2013 at 3:38 pmRaquel,
This is perfect timing for me. I will feel so much better if I can organize and plan for 2014. Right now it’s just overwhelming me!
Raquel says
December 6, 2013 at 3:59 pmI know what you mean Sharon. I am glad you found this helpful. Hope your weekend is awesome with your new grand baby! 🙂
Sharon Greenthal says
December 7, 2013 at 7:44 amI really should do this – sit down and set some concrete goals. I tend to go day-by-day which leaves me unaccountable for things sometimes. Thanks for the incentive.
Raquel says
December 8, 2013 at 7:04 amI know that day to day feeling Sharon. Hope you are enjoying your weekend!
Haralee says
December 7, 2013 at 8:47 amI love these kind of reminders, thanks. It is so fun to take last year’s goal and see which were achieved and which to roll over.
Raquel says
December 8, 2013 at 7:05 amAgreed Haralee. I tend to have the biggest problem in the area of weight loss so that is usually one that stays. Thanks for stopping by.
Joy Weese Moll (@joyweesemoll) says
December 7, 2013 at 10:13 amI’m about to start my goal-setting for 2014. I run an event called the New Year’s Resolution Reading Challenge — the idea is to read books that support our goals. I discovered last year that I really need my New Year goal-setting done before it starts so that I have that energy to pour into the challenge — both my own reading and helping out with suggestions for others.
Raquel says
December 8, 2013 at 7:06 amThe Reading Challenge sounds great Joy! I love the idea of setting reading goals.
Kathy @ SMART Living 365.com says
December 7, 2013 at 12:53 pmHi Raquel…I just popped over from the Midlife Boulevard linkshare and had to comment. First you quote from Peter Drucker is one of my favorites….It is such a great reminder. And then I love SMART goals too….and not just because I have my own SMART thing going on on my own blog (sustainable/meaningful/aware/responsible/thankful!) but because I think the SMART goal perspective offers a great way to be realistic about what we really want to create in our future. Thanks for the great reminders! ~Kathy
Raquel says
December 8, 2013 at 7:08 amSo true Kathy and love your take on the SMART concept! Sometimes it can be easy to forget that we really can create our future. Appreciate you stopping by.
Tamara says
December 7, 2013 at 5:29 pmI do have a lot of goals for 2014 and they are becoming more clearly defined. The SMART method would have intimidated me before recently, but now I think it’s the only way for me.
Raquel says
December 8, 2013 at 7:11 amMe too Tamara. It really is a great method and helps when I feel I need to prioritize my to do list.
Pat says
December 8, 2013 at 4:54 amGlad I found you on Midlife Boulevard because if there is one thing I need right now is some organization.
Raquel says
December 8, 2013 at 7:15 amThanks Patty! I am loving Midlife Boulevard and appreciate you stopping by.
Vance McClenton says
December 26, 2013 at 12:17 pmGreat article Raquel! I couldn’t agree more with your advice for goal setting and leading a balanced life! I’ve actually created an entire system that helps you set goals and achieve them, that is based on principles that are very similar to what you’ve described in this article.
I’d love for you to check out my articles on goal achievement and let me know what you think! There’s some articles as well as some resources available at my blog (ExcellenceForEveryone.com) for goal setting. One is even free!
Keep up the great work!
Raquel says
December 27, 2013 at 9:10 pmThanks for stopping by Vance! Yes life is better when balanced. Happy New Year!