How to set SMART new year’s resolutions and stick to them

Happy New Year from us here at Uvia! As the start of a new year approaches, many people reflect on their past accomplishments and set new goals for themselves. Goal setting can be a powerful tool for self-improvement, but it's important to set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, or SMART goals.

·       Specific: A specific goal is clear and well-defined. It answers the questions "what", "why", and "how". For example, "I want to read more" is not a specific goal, but "I want to read two books every month" is. 

·       Measurable: A measurable goal has a clear way to track progress. This helps you stay motivated and know when you've achieved your goal. For example, "I want to improve my relationship with my partner" is not a measurable goal, but "I want to have at least one meaningful conversation with my partner every day" is.

·       Achievable: An achievable goal is realistic and attainable given your current resources and constraints. While it's important to challenge yourself, setting unrealistic goals can lead to disappointment and discouragement. 

·       Relevant: A relevant goal is important and meaningful to you. It should align with your values and long-term goals.

·       Time-bound: A time-bound goal has a specific deadline. This helps you stay motivated and hold yourself accountable.

Using the SMART criteria can help you set goals that are more likely to be successful. However, it's important to remember that goal setting is a process and it's okay if you don't achieve your goals on your first try. It's important to be flexible and adjust your goals as needed.

One strategy for setting SMART goals is to use the "SMART acronym" as a guide. Start by writing down your goal, and then ask yourself the following questions:

·       Is the goal specific?

·       Is the goal measurable?

·       Is the goal achievable?

·       Is the goal relevant?

·       Is the goal time-bound?

If the answer to any of these questions is no, go back and revise your goal(s).

Another important aspect of goal setting is having a plan. A plan helps you stay on track and stay motivated. It should include specific actions you will take to achieve your goal(s), as well as a timeline for completing these actions. It's also helpful to have a support system to help you stay accountable and motivated. This could be a friend, family member, or a professional coach.

Finally, it's important to be flexible and adaptable. Life doesn't always go as planned, and it's okay if you need to adjust your goals or your plan. The important thing is to keep trying and stay committed to your goals.

We hope that you have a fantastic 2023 and can use some of these insights to help achieve your goals in the new year.