And now for a little me time
THE POWER OF ... SERIES
The power of goal setting
by Lorna Gordon
If the New Year gets you thinking about resolutions that you know you won ’ t stick to , consider trying goal setting instead . Unlike vague resolutions , goals focus on specific achievements and include a clear plan to reach them . This approach not only provides clarity but also makes success reachable by breaking objectives into manageable steps .
A popular method for goal setting is the SMART framework : Specific , Measurable , Achievable , Realistic , and Timely . While this strategy is normally used in business , there is nothing stopping you from using it in your personal life too . Here ’ s how adopting SMART goals can make a meaningful difference in your everyday routines and aspirations .
Let ’ s say your resolution is to “ read more books ,” “ get fit ,” or “ save money .” Turning these into SMART goals makes your intentions actionable . For example :
- Instead of vaguely deciding to read more , set a goal to read 30 books this year .
- Replace “ getting fit ” with a plan to attend the gym twice weekly .
- Transform “ saving money ” into a goal of saving $ 1,000 by June .
The next step is evaluating whether these goals are realistic and achievable . Ask yourself , can you realistically read 30 books in a year , or would 20 be more manageable given your schedule ? If you aim to visit the gym twice weekly , when can you fit it into your routine , and will this frequency help you meet your fitness objectives ? Similarly , assess your finances , can you afford to set aside enough each payday to meet your $ 1,000 goal within six months ?
By answering these questions , you refine your goals to fit your lifestyle . This not only ensures that your targets are achievable but also keeps you motivated , as you ’ ll be less likely to feel overwhelmed or discouraged . The beauty of goal setting lies in its structured approach . It provides you with direction , making your progress measurable and rewarding . Instead of vague hopes , you have a clear path , a timeline , and the satisfaction of ticking off milestones along the way . Whether it ’ s developing a new hobby , improving your health , or enhancing financial stability , setting SMART goals can help you make lasting changes .
This New Year , skip the fleeting resolutions and embrace the power of goal setting to transform your aspirations into achievements .
PODCASTS
THE MEL ROBBINS PODCAST
by Lorna Gordon
If you are looking for some motivation to start the new year on the right foot , then Mel Robbins is the woman to listen to . Mel Robbins , a best-selling author , YouTube creator , and now a dynamic podcaster , is dedicated to empowering you with tools and strategies to transform your life .
Mel ’ s journey to success wasn ’ t smooth sailing . She learned valuable lessons through her own mistakes , and this hard-earned wisdom shapes her relatable and down-to-earth approach . Her podcast offers practical advice on tackling a variety of life challenges , from decluttering your space to reigniting excitement in your daily routine .
She delivers some of her episodes by herself , but what really sets her podcast apart is her lineup of expert guests . Psychologists , neuroscientists , lawyers , and authors frequently join her to share their specialised knowledge , providing listeners with diverse and actionable insights .
Mel ’ s no nonsense , straighttalking style is both refreshing and inspiring . She has an incredible ability to connect with her audience , motivating them to take her advice seriously and make the necessary changes to lead a more fulfilling life .
So if you need help to change up your routines , have better relationships , get motivated when you feel like staying in bed , then find her podcast on your streaming service and listen to her sage advice .
14 ISSUE 176 // JANUARY 2025 HAPPY NEW YEAR ! theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT