Happy New Year! Are you making any New Years Resolutions? Resolutions can be very helpful if they’re realistic. As a coach, I encourage clients to set SMART goals – goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timed. As the client sets the goals, he or she also determines the baby steps needed to achieve those goals. Thus, no sweeping, vague resolutions are made, rather concrete, achievable goals.
Are resolutions important? Why or why not? They can be if the maker has strong resolve about keeping them. If it’s merely an exercise designed to satisfy an external pressure, the importance diminishes and the issue can become moot. Studies show that we are most motivated by what is intrinsically important to us – our own self-interest.
What are your tips for making (and keeping) New Year’s resolutions? Setting SMART goals – those that are specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic and timed is key. By their very nature, these goals or resolutions are achievable. Keeping them involves uncovering the motivation for setting the goals in the first place, and finding ways to keep motivation front and center.