Make it S.M.A.R.T.

Do you have any specials plans for this year? Specific hopes, dreams, aspirations, goals...or should I say - Resolutions? I have several areas of my life I'd like to improve upon. Numerous relationships I'd like to strengthen. Lots of creative ideas I've been toying with that I'd love to see to fruition. In fact, there are SO many things I'd like to do this year its almost overwhelming. But, its also so VERY exciting!

Now, rest assured, I am not your everyday resolution maker. In fact, I wouldn't make one for years - not believing enough in myself to see the dream through. Not even knowing HOW to make a viable resolution.

All that stopped 2 years ago, when I made a commitment to myself to lose weight and become physically fit. I found the perfect place to work out and set my alarm for 4:30am every Monday through Friday. I had accountability to arrive and work hard. I'm proud to say that even through serious injuries, I persevered. In doing so, I learned a lot about myself and who I am.
I gained insight. I now have faith in myself and believe I can accomplish whatever it is I set out to do (well, usually). I still have more goals to achieve in my own physical fitness journey and I fully intend to reach those goals by the end of 2011.

As for my goals on the creative side.....I just need to figure out what I really want to do. Find my passion. Having so many interests coupled with a deep desire to learn and travel......its very hard for me to pick just one thing I'd like to do. BUT, what if my resolution were to establish a 5 year plan? If I were to choose just one of my aspirations each year for the next 5 years? Now that is a goal ;) And it is, in fact, MY New Years Resolution.

You know, I read in the Miami Herald that 97% of the people who make New Years Resolutions fail. In fact, only 47% make it to the 6 month mark. I find that to be an incredibly depressing statistic. Perhaps the reason so many fail at their resolutions is that their resolutions were too vague with no precise timeline for success? I've learned over the years that there are some key components to achieving goals - or accomplishing your New Years Resolution. In fact, I'd say the first thing to do when making a resolution is to choose one specific goal and see if it fits the SMART test. A SMART goal is measured in the following ways:

It must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time specific.
Once you've determined that your goal is indeed a SMART goal, you can then establish your plan for achieving it. First - WRITE IT DOWN. Post it somewhere - EVERYWHERE - and say it out loud. Secondly, establish a timeline for your progress. Make sure its reasonable and specific. Thirdly, set yourself up for accountability. Who can you ask for support? Who can you discuss your progress with? Lastly, plan a celebration when your goal has been reached. Honestly, a few 'mini' celebrations as you reach milestones along the way are perfectly reasonable.

I truly hope you are able to accomplish whatever it is you set out to do in 2011 and I look forward to hearing back from those of you who've made resolutions. Keep in touch with me. Let me know how its going. God willing, we'll be planning lots of 'mini' celebrations over the next 12 months.

Happy New Year!