08 Jan Ways to Set New Years Intentions that stick
Learn about ways to make SMART goals and start 2021 off with achievable goals and intentions.
All About SMART Goals
What does SMART stand for and how can I use it in 2021?
SMART goals are a great way to start off the new year. It is a well established and credible way to help us create and achieve our goals!
SMART stands for:
- Specific (simple, sensible, significant).
- Measurable (meaningful, motivating).
- Achievable (agreed, attainable).
- Relevant (reasonable, realistic, and resourced, results-based).
- Time-bound (time-based, time-limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive)
By creating SMART goals, you can ensure that you don’t write new years intentions or goals that you will never achieve.
Questions to ask yourself to make sure you are creating a SMART Goal:
- What do I want to accomplish?
- Why is this goal important?
- Where is it located?
- Which resources or limits are involved?
- How can I accomplish this goal?
- How realistic is the goal, based on other constraints, such as financial factors?
- Does this seem worthwhile?
- Is this the right time?
- Does this match our other efforts/needs?
- Am I the right person to reach this goal?
- Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment?
- When?
- What can I do six months from now?
- What can I do six weeks from now?
- What can I do today?
- How will I know when it is accomplished?
Write Intentions That Matter
Now that you know how to make SMART goals, it is helpful to think of the intention behind them. Intentions are less action-focused and more focused on the present moment. They help you envision and embody the way you want your daily life to work.
Intention Ideas Paired with SMART Goals
- I spend my time giving back to others. SMART GOAL: I will look for places to volunteer from home in January and have an online volunteer opportunity set up starting in February. I will spend 4 hours a month (1 hour a week) volunteering in 2021.
- I live in a clutter-free space. SMART GOAL: I will declutter 1 room of my house every month. I will start in January with my bedroom. I will get rid of unnecessary items and donate them to my local thrift store.
- I am healthy and in shape. SMART GOAL: I will go on one 20-minute walk 3 times a week. I will get yak-tracks so that I can walk on the snow and ice. The goal is to be outside and moving, so the distance isn’t important.
- SMART GOAL: I will eat healthily each week but not deprive myself of the foods that I love. I will write out a meal plan each week and buy heart-healthy foods from the grocery store. I will try not to over-eat.