Goal Setting

     Raise your hand if you made a new year's resolution in 2011 and never "resolved" it.  Chances are your hand is up in the air right now, but don't feel bad as you are not alone. Research varies, but about 75-80% of us will bail on our resolutions.  Those aren't good odds.   

     You may have a long-term goal, but it's best to set up short term goals (3 month and/or 6 month) along the way.  Also, re-evaluate goals often as you may get sidetracked and they may need adjustments.  Try not to make too many changes at once as it can be frustrating and may discourage you in achieving any of your goals.  

Make sure your goals are S.M.A.R.T.

Specific – be detailed

Measurable – have a "yardstick" for measuring outcomes

Action-Oriented – what actions are you going to take to achieve your goals

Realistic – make sure they are reasonable.  Look at strengths and weaknesses to help

Timely – set a target date for you goals

Ask yourself what do you want?  You can either live your life by default, or you can create the future.  The following tips will help you set your goals for 2012:

• Goals must mean something to you!  Ask yourself:
• why are you setting them?
• what do you hope to achieve?
• what do you get out of achieving them?
• Write your goals down on paper!!!  Studies have shown that people who write down their goals are 80 percent more likely to achieve them then those that don’t.  Enough said.
• Steps to achieving goals -- plan them!
• If you commit to them you will most likely reach them (self discipline!)
• Plan for potential obstacles and how to work around them
• When you achieve your goals...make new ones :)