Struggling with Achieving Your Objectives? It Might Be Your Goal-Setting Strategy
Setting New Year's resolutions can be a great way to kickstart positive change in one's life. However, it's common for these resolutions to fall by the wayside due to unrealistic goals. But fear not! A solution is at hand: the SMARTER goal-setting method.
This enhanced version of the popular SMART framework adds two crucial steps—Evaluate and Readjust—to the original acronym. The SMARTER acronym stands for Specific, Measurable or Meaningful, Attainable/Achievable, Realistic/Relevant, Time-bound, Evaluate, and Readjust goals.
The Components of SMARTER Goal-Setting
- Specific: Clearly define your goal to remove any ambiguity. For example, organising a particular workspace area rather than just "organising."
- Measurable: Include quantifiable indicators to track progress. For instance, organising a desk within three months.
- Achievable: Set a goal that fits your current resources and schedule. Dedicate specific weekly time slots for the task.
- Realistic: Ensure the goal is practical and attainable. Focus on one area per week.
- Time-bound: Set a deadline to maintain focus and urgency. Complete organisation before next quarter.
- Evaluate: Regularly check your progress on a set schedule (such as every two weeks) to see how you're advancing towards your goal.
- Readjust: Be flexible and willing to modify your plan based on unforeseen challenges or shifting priorities. For example, spreading tasks over more days if overtime work occurs.
How SMARTER Helps Achieve New Year's Resolutions
The SMARTER method provides a clear structure, breaking down vague resolutions into concrete, manageable steps. This increases clarity and motivation. Regular evaluation keeps you accountable and aware of progress or obstacles. Readjustment promotes adaptability, preventing discouragement if original plans are disrupted, thereby sustaining momentum over time. This method turns broad intentions into detailed, actionable plans that are easier to follow and complete.
Resources for Goal Setting
Great resources for goal setting are available through UR Medicine. A printable SMARTER goals worksheet is available for immediate goal setting. The SMARTER goal for managing stress includes meditating once a week on Sundays for at least three minutes using the Calm App. If progress is not satisfactory, the SMARTER goal is revised and a new plan is tried in February. Tracking progress is essential to good goal-setting and can be done by setting reminders and reflecting on progress.
Goal setting is important because it allows for the modification of habits and shifting of automatic behaviours. By applying the SMARTER framework, people can significantly improve their ability to achieve New Year's resolutions through focused goal definition, progress tracking, and flexible planning. Happy goal-setting, and here's to a successful New Year!
- By integrating the SMARTER goal-setting method into education-and-self-development, individuals can focus on personal-growth by transforming broad New Year's resolutions into detailed, actionable plans that foster progress and discourage discouragement.
- To achieve their SMARTER goals related to lifestyle improvements, such as managing stress, individuals can utilize resources like printable worksheets from UR Medicine, which offer clear structures and track progress, thus increasing motivation and fostering success in achieving New Year's resolutions.
