by Talia Hreljac
It’s January, which means you’ve probably already set a few lofty goals for the new year and written them down in a shiny new journal. You’re all set to conquer 2025—right? But let’s be real, those goals (and probably that journal) are likely to be abandoned by February. But what if this time, you didn’t let that happen? What if you actually set goals and found the tools to pursue them consistently?
Don’t worry – you don’t need to aim for the stars to make progress. Even small goals that improve your life are totally worth pursuing. And that’s where S.M.A.R.T. goals come in.
So, what exactly are S.M.A.R.T. goals, you ask? Let me break it down for you:
S: Specific – Your goal should be clear and well-defined. The more detailed you are, the easier it is to stay focused. No vague goals like “I want to get healthier.” Aim for something like, “I will walk 30 minutes every day.”
M: Measurable – You need a way to track your progress. This means numbers, milestones, or some way to measure how you’re doing. For example, “I will save $200 a month for the next six months” gives you a clear target.
A: Achievable – It’s important that your goal is within reach. Aim for something that challenges you, but isn’t so out of the realm of possibility that it becomes demotivating. So maybe not “I’ll run a marathon next week” if you’re just starting out, but perhaps “I’ll run 3 times a week for the next month.”
R: Relevant – Make sure your goal aligns with your bigger life plans. It should matter to you and be something that moves you in the direction you want to go. Don’t waste your energy on goals that don’t resonate with your values or priorities.
T: Time Bound – Every goal needs a deadline. This creates urgency and keeps you accountable. Whether it’s a month, a season, or the entire year, setting a clear timeline ensures you stay on track.
When you stick to these S.M.A.R.T. guidelines, you’ll find that achieving your goals is a lot more feasible. Having clear goals helps create your own personal “North Star.” These goals will evolve and shift over time – and that’s totally okay. They’re not set in stone, but rather a guiding light helping you navigate toward the life you want.
Time flies as we get older. So instead of complaining that another year has come and gone with little change, why not promise yourself to put in some real effort for the next 12 months and see where it takes you? You just might surprise yourself.
And hey, speaking of goals, this week’s paper features a Bingo Card from Let’s Network NG. The idea is simple: list 24 goals you want to achieve in 2025. As you hit milestones, mark off your card. When you get a Bingo, treat yourself to a reward—hopefully from one of the fabulous local businesses in our community!
Good luck with your goals, and let’s make 2025 the year of actual change!