NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS? NO! – LET’S SET SMART GOALS INSTEAD

It’s exactly one month into 2025, and some of us are still struggling with setting new year resolutions. PAUSE! Let’s ditch vague resolutions that rarely materialize and set goals instead. Not just goals but SMART goals. Why? This is because SMART goals are specific, actionable, achievable, and everything resolutions fail to be. Instead of making promises we rarely keep, let’s set ourselves up for success with a clear plan.

 

SMART is an acronym for  

• Specific: Clearly define your goal. What exactly do you want to accomplish?

• Measurable: Identify how you'll measure success. What indicators will show progress?

• Achievable: Ensure the goal is realistic. Do you have the resources and capacity to achieve it?

• Relevant: Align the goal with your broader objectives. Does it matter to your overall priorities?

• Time-bound: Set a clear deadline. By when should you accomplish it?

 

SMART goals are not just aspirations; they’re actionable plans with a clear roadmap to success. For example, instead of saying, "I want to get fit," a SMART goal would be, "I will go to the gym three times a week for 30 minutes each session for the next three months."

By defining exactly what you want to achieve, how to measure progress, and setting a deadline, you create a logical framework for real results.

 

I was first introduced to SMART goals by a friend when I was struggling to reach one of my ambitions. Initially, I spoke about my goal in vague terms, but my friend encouraged me to be more specific and make itmeasurable. Although I didn’t fully achieve the goal at the time, I was amazed at how much closer I got using this laid down plans. Since then, SMART goals have been my go-to strategy for achieving everything from career milestones to personal growth.

 

With your SMART goals in hand and a determination to succeed, nothing can stop you from making 2025 the year of your dreams, whether you are striving for better fitness, financial stability, career advancement, or personal growth.

 

Five Steps to Crush Your SMART Goals in 2025

1. Set Realistic Goals
Dream big, but stay grounded. Don't bite off more than you can chew! Be honest with yourself about what you can realistically achieve. It's so tempting to set lofty goals that would make your friends gasp in admiration, but think of it this way: you're building a masterpiece, not a rushed sandcastle. Instead, take a deep breath, startsmall, and watch your confidence soar. That way, you're setting yourself up for success, not disappointment. 


2. Break Down Big Goals
Big goals can feel overwhelming, like staring up at a towering mountain. The trick? Turn that mountain into a series of bite-sized hills. Let’s say you want to learn a new language:

Week 1: Learn basic greetings and introductions.

Week 2: Master the alphabet and pronunciation.

Week 3: Focus on common verbs.

Week 4: Practice simple sentences.

Each step is an accomplishment in itself, giving you that sweet sense of progress.

3. Track Your Progress
Who doesn’t love the satisfying check on a to-do list? Tracking your progress isn’t just practical—it’s motivating. Create a colorful tracker, doodle your milestones in a journal, or use an app that cheers you on. Seeing how far you’ve come can light a fire to keep going. Plus, let’s face it—checking off those mini-goals feels so good. Why does this work? For starters, it gives you a visual reminder of how far you’ve come, thereby boosting your confidence. After all, everyone loves the sweet satisfaction of checking off their to-do list or coloring in a little progress bar?

4. Be Patient with Yourself
Real change is a marathon, not a sprint. Progress isn’t always a straight line, and that’s okay! Celebrate every small win, even if it’s just showing up. On tough days, remind yourself that setbacks aren’t failures—they’re just detours on your path to greatness. Take a breath, regroup, and keep going. You've got this!

5. Find an Accountability Buddy:

Find a friend or family member who can hold you accountable and keep you motivated. This could be your best friend, a family member, or even someone online who's working on similar goals. Whether it’s a quick “You’ve got this!” text or a full-blown brainstorming session, having someone in your corner makes all the difference.

Now here’s the secret sauce: the magic isn’t in setting the goal, it’s in showing up every day to make it happen. 2025 is your year to shine, so take that first step, no matter how small.

 

You got this, champ!

 

Happy New Year!

 

…...Sweet Lilian