Smart Goal Setting: How To Make And Keep Mid-Year Resolutions

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At the beginning of the year, many people make resolutions to improve themselves and their lives. They pledge to stop eating junk, to start working harder at their jobs, and other laudable goals. Most of the time, however, resolutions are forgotten by February.

Mid-year resolutions are a way for people to recommit to their goals, revise them, or to make new ones altogether. But just like New Year's resolutions, mid-year resolutions take time, commitment, and hard work to see through.

One way to help ensure that one follows through on one's goals is to make sure they're S.M.A.R.T. 

S.M.A.R.T. is an acronym used by business authors to guide the creation of business goals. While the S.M.A.R.T. philosophy is used both in business management, it is often modified to apply to personal development as well.

For mid-year goals to be achievable, they need to be:

Specific. Specific resolutions, such as “I will try to lose weight by reducing my daily food intake by 300 calories” stand a better chance of being accomplished than vague ones like, “I will try to lose weight.” When setting goals, the questions “who,” “what,” “how,” and “why” must be answered.

Measurable. The results of the goal must be quantifiable in some way so individuals can measure their progress over time and take action when necessary. For example, a goal to spend every Sunday with family is measurable, while a goal to spend more time with family is not.

Attainable. Goals must be realistic. While a goal might be challenging, it should not be impossible to achieve. For example, a goal to get promoted within two years is more attainable than a goal to get promoted within two months.

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Relevant. S.M.A.R.T. goal setting is for aspirations that matter, not trivial ones. While a goal to complete a video game in a day is specific, measurable, and attainable, it's not relevant. It serves no greater purpose and does not improve an individual as a person or as a professional.

Time-bound. Goals must have, if not a deadline, a time frame. A target date adds a sense of urgency and helps an individual focus on achieving a goal.

A professional life or career coach can help people make and keep resolutions, whether they're made at the beginning or the middle of the year.

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