I think every year setting resolutions for the coming one is an important one. It shows that we’re still looking to grow and change and setting your intention about your life is just plain smart. About 50% of us make resolutions but only 8% achieve their resolutions. Honestly, I believe a resolution without a plan is just a dream. It’s time to kick those dreams into action and that’s where it gets S.M.A.R.T.

When I first learned about setting goals back in college, the professor yammered on about S.M.A.R.T. goals. This is a lesson that I have passed on many times because it is truly one of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned.

S – Specific

Be clear when setting your goal. Don’t leave room for “thinking” you achieved it, lay it out clear and concisely.

M – Measurable

Set a goal that allows you measurement toward your goals progress. Give yourself small rewards for these small achievements along the way!

A – Attainable

Ask yourself, “Is this realistic and attainable?” If not, go back to S.

R – Relevant

Create a goal with importance and meaning. Make sure the effort is worth it to you. Answer the WHY of what you’re doing.

T – Time-bound

Commit to a deadline. Open-ended goals tend to go forgotten – and not achieved.

 

Holly’s New Years Resolutions

Lose Weight

S – I’d like to be about 50lbs lighter than I currently am.
M – I’m using the Weight Watchers Online system (including iPhone app) and a FitBit Force to start, as these tools help me measure my progress, food intake & activity levels.
A – I know this is obtainable because I did the exact same thing in 2007
R – WHY I am doing this: major back pain/no core after 2 C-Sections, tired of feeling sick and tired, I want to set a good example of my children, I want to be a healthy role model.
T – I’d like to achieve this in the next 262 Days (before my brother’s wedding)

Spend Less, Save More

S – We need to pay down debt and start planning more specifically for the future (big purchases like an RV, family vacations and other dreams we have vs. RESP, RRSP, Emergency Funds).
M – First steps are creating a budget, a budget system and then making it happen! 
A – We have been very good at saving for our children’s RESP and were very successful in saving for our first house (we were motivated!)
R – WHY we need to do this: we’ve been putting it off for a year, we need to evaluate our current decisions based on more long-term goals, maternity leave, double childcare & other tough decisions we need to make soon
T – I’d like to have the new budget done before the end of January with a system implemented and then tweak it until March

Getting (More) Organized

S – We need to simplify  our house, organize the areas we have just improved and continue to finish the rooms we haven’t finished.
M – Rooms To Do: Kitchen, New Playroom, New J Bedroom, flipping the nursery, maximize storage spaces, office (go paperless).
Rooms To Be Finished Renovating: Kitchen, Living Room, Playroom, J Bedroom
A – Absolutely, but it will take the entire year and it will likely be in small bits & pieces.
R – WHY we need to do this: with new spaces, we need to create systems. With old spaces transformed, we need to tweak systems and with the mess of my desk, I just need HELP! 
T – Before Christmas 2014

Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions?