Be SMART.

Happy 2013!!!

I took a step back the last month of 2012 to get adjusted to my new job (yay!) and get through the holidays. I'm excited to gather my thoughts and focus on a great year ahead!

I couldn't think of a better way to kick off the new year then with goals! I'm a nerd and love coming up with new things to achieve. I firmly believe it helps keep me focused and grounded while giving me something to strive for. 

To help you set and achieve goals while being successful, I want you to remember one thing: S.M.A.R.T.

S - Specific. The more specific you make your goal, the more likely you are to achieve it. For example, you set the goal of, "I want to lose weight." While this is a good goal, it is not specific enough and doesn't give you anything to strive for. Instead your goal should be more clear such as, "I want to lose ____ lbs by working out three times per week."

M - Measurable. In order to stay interested in reaching your goal, you have to have something to work towards. When you give yourself a measurable amount such as, lose 20 lbs or workout three times per week, you are able to chip away at something that is real and ultimately stick to your goal. 

A - Attainable. Create a goal that's within reach. Setting the bar too high or too low makes accomplishing your goal meaningless. Instead, grow as an individual and modify behaviors so that you are able to succeed. 

R - Realistic. Personally, I think this is the most important part of developing a goal. You only set yourself up for disappointment if you aren't realistic about the work you are willing to put in. For example, if you aren't willing to workout and eat right, don't set the goal of losing 50lbs!

T - Timely. Goals need a start and finish line. Without those, the race never even began! Give yourself a deadline so your mind can focus on accomplishing the goal. It can be as simple as, "run a half marathon by June 1st."

Remember, SMART goals can be short or long-term. Come up with a few general goals and then tweak them to make them SMART. I promise you'll be more focused and successful in the end.

?   What are some of your goals for 2013?  ?