Simplifying New Year's Resolutions

Last Day of 2010!  As I look forward to 2011, I'm thinking about all the different ways I've gone about setting New Year's Resolutions.  Some years I did not set any goals.  I'm sure I made progress those years, but not in a memorable way where I could look back & say that was the year I achieved X.  Research has shown that goals that are written down are more likely to be accomplished.  So, whether you write them in a journal, on your iPad, make a collage of pictures, or even just a sticky note, get writing!  One year I even went so far as to make a goal notebook with tabs for each goal category.  I got really detailed.  My categories were things like health, finance, personal, spiritual, professional, academic, etc.  To be honest, it was too overwhelming.  I even had sub-goal categories within each tab.  Even though I wrote down goals, in the midst of my busy life, I got overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of stuff I was going after that I got discouraged & didn't accomplish too much.

For 2011, I am simplifying my goals.  "Simplify" is obviously my theme for the year, hence the topic of this blog.  Everything I spend my energy on I want to feed into simplifying my life & giving me more quality time.  I learned in my corporate days that successful goal writing is SMART:

• Specific:  In other words, not just "lose weight" - get specific!
• Measurable:  Can you measure it in some way to see your progress?
• Attainable:  Can you attain this goal?  Do you or will you have the tools to attain it?  Keep in mind that the status of attainable may change with circumstances throughout the year & that's ok.
• Realistic:  Think baby steps & things you can really do - don't discourage yourself with Mount Everest goals.  They are possible, but you may need to break bigger long-term goals into smaller chunks for the year.
• Time-certain:  Have a time/date you want to achieve goals by.  I'm simply saying December 31, 2011.  

So, using the SMART guidelines I am only creating 3 categories of goals for myself.  For me, 3 is the most attainable, & easy to focus on.

1) Love God, Love People
2) Be a Health Nut
3) Live Frugally

These 3 goals encompass my personal values & things that will help me live a simpler, spirit filled life with the ones I love.  For the next 3 days I will dive into each of my goals individually & work on the specifics of each.  I have written these 3 goals on a sticky note & posted it on my bulletin board to inspire me throughout the year.  Happy goal setting & Best Wishes for a Happy & Healthy 2011!