It may seem rather cliché to write about goals or resolutions this time of year. However, for me, it is difficult to start a new year without giving some thought to what is important to accomplish over the next several months.
In recent weeks, I have been reflecting on my current goals and digging deeper to self-evaluate if I have achieved the desired results. It has been good to have this kind of honest thought process to consider why some of my goals have been met and others were not.
So how are goals met? Meeting goals requires action. You have to take that first step towards the result and then continue to take one step at a time until you reach the target outcome. You must be prepared, well planned, willing to collaborate, and deeply committed to working through challenges to meet the goals that are set. The actions that are necessary to take are not always comfortable. You may need to take a reasonable risk to accomplish what you have set out to do. It will take some courage and self-discipline, but it will be worth the effort.
Some research suggests using SMART goals, or goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely is more effective than goals that are too easy or lack measurement. SMART goals are more than a general statement that you will do your best to improve over time. SMART goals include indicators of success.
As you are contemplating your own personal and professional goals for the year, I encourage you to set a SMART goal and work diligently to make it happen.
