Chicago Home and Lifestyles – Setting SMART goals for 2025
Yes, I know it’s a crazy, busy time of year! Thanksgiving ended up being one of the latest ever on the 28th of November, giving us even less time to prepare for the holiday. But even with all that going on, the New Year will be here soon, and we need to get ready. What is your 2025 going to look like? Is it going to be like last year, starting out great but fizzling out before spring? Here is a way to rethink your New Year’s plan. They are called SMART, an acronym for goals that stands for:
Specific
For a goal to be specific, you need to ask yourself the relevant questions. I like to use weight loss as a good example. I don’t just say, “I’m going to lose weight”. I ask: what exactly do I want to accomplish? Why is it important to me? How will this make me feel better or make me healthier? You need to be realistic about your motives so that you can space your goals out in steps.
Measurable
Goals can’t just be measurable, but need to be easily measured. That means small steps. Weight loss, for example, may include drinking more water. This is easily measured with a special water jug or keeping track on an app. Find a way to measure your progress and rejoice in even small progress!
Achievable
Saying you want to lose 50 pounds in 6 months is admirable, but may not be realistic. 5 pounds a month, however, can certainly be considered achievable. Wanting to become the president of your company is a worthwhile dream — but aiming for a promotion is the achievable goal that will eventually get you there. So, really think about your goals and how to make them more achievable so you can see your progress and stick to them.
Relevant
Goals need to be meaningful and important to you. Losing weight is good, but only if you are doing it for you, not because someone else thinks so. If you want to move forward in your career, make sure you have the time and devotion to accept what that entails. Realize all that achieving your goals will mean to your life. Make them relevant to you.
Time based
And finally, goals need to have deadlines. If you are not meeting your deadlines, it is time to rework the goal. Perhaps better scheduling will help. Every evening before bed, go over your plan for the next day. Ask yourself: what do I need to do tomorrow to move you closer to that goal?
Using SMART, we can jumpstart our goals and make 2025 the best year ever!
Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago
