SMART Goals
A typical resolution says… “I want to save more” and that’s that. Not too surprising when it doesn’t work the person just says… “I tried”. However, if they saved and didn’t save much, they can say “well, I did save, even if it didn’t do much good”.
In a different blog contribution elsewhere (How I get away with no new year’s resolutions), I dove into why that’s such a vicious emotional place to be. Today, let’s just stick to what is the difference between a regular resolution and a smart one.
A goal that has specificity in a given time frame with measurable benchmarks that can be reviewed while being achievable is what sets a SMART Goal apart from regular goals.
What does that look like?
By November 1, we will have saved 10k to replace our aging car by pooling 1k each month from the budget into a car-replacement-savings-account. (fictional example)
Specific – the family will pool together a set amount with a set purpose
Measurable – You’re either putting 1k a month aside or you’re not. Just look at the account and see
Achievable – Can the family budget squeeze out 1k a month? If yes, then go ahead. If no… adjust the goal. A goal has to be realistic…possible…doable
Reviewable – Every month, you can check the progress of your work towards that goal. You can have meetings to check in on the progress. Adjust as needed
Timely – By November 1. There is a deadline. There is a finish line (some finish lines are harder set than others… in this example, the family can afford to move the date about a little if they need to)
Legacy: New Year of Resolutions
Taking this SMART Goal concept to your relationship won’t necessarily be easy or hard. It’s all about how the heads of households communicate and figure out what’s important to them. Once that conversation has been had, it’s all about setting the necessary steps to make this happen.
It could be anything. Whatever is important for your family, make it the year you work on getting closer to that goal. That dream. That legacy. That purpose.
Support one another to reach the goals you’ve set. Keep each other accountable. This is where the calendar reminders can come in handy. Not to nag and pester, but support and encourage.
Quarterly check-ins help. Maybe a month emailed link about how to work that goal into reality might help. Maybe a quick video reminding your partner how much you’re proud of their hard work of making the family a better place will help.
Do I have any new year’s resolutions?
In a nutshell, no. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t have plans and I’m not working hard on them. In fact, this blog is digital proof of one of my plans. I just don’t start my plans on January 1 of any given year. I already linked to that whole story above as it stands, so head over there and enjoy reading why I don’t do New Year’s Resolutions.
What I do have in mind for this year is to strengthen my resolve to build a strong family. It’s a multi-year goal and process. This blog will only capture a small part of that, being I tend to be a little private. In that journey, I’ll share whatever I can to help someone else on their journey.
To that end, have a great and fantastic new year of grace. May your dreams be backed by calendar reminders, smart goals, and systems of success for your home. May your personal, professional, domestic, and familial goals/dreams/resolutions overlap so they all have increased success this year. May it be the start of a stronger legacy!
Happy New Year! (yes… I know. Well after January 1)
