on us .
So is it myth or magic ? Or , is it a matter of just being resolute and armed with a plan that keeps our resolution in our immediate vision . A plan that helps us step by step in achieving these goals while incorporating the
SMART process !
QUICK SHARE – THE SMART PROCESS – YOUR GOALS SHOULD BE :
SPECIFIC know exactly what you are trying to achieve , be as pointed as possible . This makes it easier and reduces confusion or generalisations .
MEASURABLE be able to use your senses here , what will it look like , or feel like etc . so you will know when you get there .
ACHIEVABLE your goal should stretch you but at the same time be attainable .
RELEVANT what does it mean to you , how will it help , will it add value ? If you can identify the value then more than likely you will want to attain the desired goal .
TIME-BOUND there has to be a time limit within which you ensure this is no longer a goal but a reality .
Making changes in our lives is not a simple feat and it is definitely not waving a magic wand and saying “ Abracadabra ” and in any event , magic is not what we are referring to here .
Resolutions are neither myth nor magic . How you achieve them however , will be left up to you ... here ’ s a hint – be SMART and committed to your goals .
Peter Singer an Australian philosopher hits the nail on the head when he says “ Sometimes we know the best thing to do , but fail to do it . New Year ’ s resolutions are often like that . We make resolutions because we know it would be better for us to lose weight , or get fit , or spend more time with our children . The problem is that a resolution is generally easier to break than it is to keep ”. Herein lies the problem I believe . When we make the commitment to stick to our resolutions unwaveringly , equipped with tight planning and most importantly strategically keeping it within our vision , then it may become exactly what we need , not in a wow way , but , in a systematic and easy way that will cause the changes we do desire !
Resolutions should not be a one day focus on January 1st but should be a continuous occurrence throughout the year as needed . Resolutions should be the support that gets us to where we need to go . Our focus should be on making ourselves and each day progressively better , understanding that systematic changes are more tolerable and achievable over a “ big bang ” change that usually overwhelms us , while trying to change . We should let the focus of the New Year be reflective and sobering , understanding that if change should come then it requires different actions hence incorporating SMART goals .
HOW ABOUT ADDING THESE TO THE MIX :
• Get an accountability partner .
• Schedule a time for meeting up with other women , have a resolution and planning party . Then commit to meeting regularly to review and track progress .
• Partner with a coach to help you .
• If you have children bring them on board ... they are hard and spare no mercy - they will not allow you to forget .
• We all love our gadgets , so how about setting monthly timelines and allowing your phone ( or whatever gadget you spend lots of time on ) to remind you .
• If you inadvertently slip up on a resolution , don ’ t just abandon the effort until next year . Brush it off , double down on the effort to keep the resolution . Resolutions are not just for January 1 !
• Reward yourself richly . When you ’ re succeeding with your resolution , treat yourself to something nice without breaking the bank . Doing so allows you to look forward to the next treat and encourages you to keep the commitment .
There is nothing wrong with resolutions , but most importantly it is the commitment to make it happen that counts !
Written by Jacqueline Walker-Johnson
The Beyond Woman Magazine 47