How to Set S.M.A.R.T. Goals and Achieve Them!

We hate to admit it, but the holidays will be here before we know it and that means New Year's Resolutions will be made and broken.  This holiday season, how about we set some goals for ourselves and we actually make them happen?!  Here are some easy ways to go about it.

Specific:  Get out the paper and pen and write down exactly what you wish to accomplish.  Instead of, I want to lose 10 pounds, write down, I want to lose 10 pounds by January 1st.  The more specific, the better!

Measurable:  The goal of losing 10 pounds by January 1st is very measurable by stepping on a scale.  Another example would be to fit into your size 6 jeans.  If you can zip them, you did it!

Achievable:  Losing 10 pounds by January 1st should be pretty achievable if you start today in most cases.  Saying you want to lose 100 pounds by  January 1st will most likely set you up for failure.

Realistic:   This goal has to matter to YOU!  Just because all of your coworkers have a plan to run a marathon in 2 weeks, doesn't mean  it is a relevant goal for yourself.

Time Bound:  Make sure you gave your goal a set time period for completion, ie:  January 1st in my example.