![\"Blake](\"https:\/\/sduptownnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/06\/Blake-Gwen-Color-Seated.jpg\")
<\/a>Anyone can set goals without these criteria, but if goals aren\u2019t clearly defined and geared toward your real objective, you\u2019ll likely lose interest. Also, if you\u2019re not sure they\u2019re achievable and you have no way to measure progress, you\u2019re setting yourself up for disappointment and confusion along the way. We are now into the third month of 2016. How are you faring thus far on your goals? SMART goals give you the tools to make sure you\u2019re setting the right goals, making steady progress and reaching the desired outcome.<\/p>\n
While SMART goals are typically used in personal development, project management and employee performance scenarios, this concept may be useful outside the corporate world. Why not set SMART goals to help you follow through with your New Year\u2019s resolutions?<\/p>\n
Resolution to meet your resolutions<\/strong><\/p>\n If you typically make resolutions but seldom follow through, you\u2019re not alone. It is now March, and already, many are falling by the wayside. It\u2019s easy to start out enthusiastically, especially with common goals like getting in shape. Unfortunately, it\u2019s also easy to get off track and lose your motivation. That\u2019s where SMART goals come in.<\/p>\n Be specific<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Specific goals outline the details of what you\u2019re trying to accomplish. To do this, you need to state your overall objective (such as, getting in shape in 2016) and answer a few key questions like who\u2019s involved (you and your family), what you want to accomplish (lose 15 pounds by May 31), why it\u2019s important (feel better, look better), and where, how and when you\u2019ll take action (work out at the gym and at home six days per week).<\/p>\n Make it measurable<\/strong><\/p>\n Measuring progress is the only way to make sure you\u2019re on track to meet your goal. For example, if your goal is to lose 15 pounds by the end of April, how will you know if you\u2019re on the right track if you don\u2019t step on a scale? While it\u2019s best to weigh yourself first thing in the morning, you can decide how many times per week you\u2019ll weigh in, but make sure you stick to it and write it down.<\/p>\n Be sure it\u2019s achievable and relevant<\/strong><\/p>\n Goals geared toward your main objective must be achievable and relevant. For example, if your objective is to get in shape in 2016, setting a goal to become a world-class body builder in six months probably wouldn\u2019t be achievable or relevant. However, the goal of losing 15 pounds by April 30 fits both criteria.<\/p>\n Add a time frame<\/strong><\/p>\n Committing to a deadline with milestones along the way will help keep you accountable for staying on track. If you start out thinking you have the whole year to accomplish your goal, you\u2019ll be much more likely to procrastinate.<\/p>\n