Stop! Before you create that resolution list for 2025, take a moment to read this list of the common resolutions. here they are broken down into the SMART method. One area where most people fail in their annual resolutions is a lack of true planning on how to achieve success. Sometimes the scope of the resolution is unrealistic thus doomed for failure.
The SMART method ensures resolutions are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Here’s how you can apply it to the top ten resolutions:
1. Exercise More
- Specific: Work out three times a week at the gym.
- Measurable: Track workouts with a fitness app or journal.
- Achievable: Start with 30-minute sessions; increase duration gradually.
- Relevant: To improve overall health and energy levels.
- Time-bound: Achieve consistency by March and evaluate progress.
2. Lose Weight
- Specific: Lose 10 pounds by adopting a calorie deficit diet and exercising.
- Measurable: Weigh yourself weekly and track food intake.
- Achievable: Aim for 1-2 pounds of weight loss per week.
- Relevant: To improve health and feel more confident.
- Time-bound: Reach the goal by June.
3. Save More Money
- Specific: Save $200 per month by reducing unnecessary expenses.
- Measurable: Monitor savings account growth monthly.
- Achievable: Cut dining out to twice a month and cancel unused subscriptions.
- Relevant: To build an emergency fund or save for a vacation.
- Time-bound: Save $2,400 by the end of the year.
4. Spend More Time with Family
- Specific: Have family dinners every Friday night.
- Measurable: Track how often you meet this goal.
- Achievable: Adjust schedules to prioritize family time.
- Relevant: To strengthen family relationships.
- Time-bound: Maintain consistency throughout the year.
5. Learn a New Skill
- Specific: Learn basic conversational Spanish using a language app.
- Measurable: Practice 15 minutes daily and complete one module per week.
- Achievable: Commit small chunks of time to learning.
- Relevant: To prepare for an upcoming trip or enhance career prospects.
- Time-bound: Achieve proficiency by December.
6. Read More Books
- Specific: Read one book per month.
- Measurable: Track completed books in a reading log or app.
- Achievable: Dedicate 20 minutes daily to reading.
- Relevant: To gain knowledge or enjoy personal growth.
- Time-bound: Finish 12 books by year-end.
7. Quit Smoking
- Specific: Use nicotine patches to reduce smoking by one cigarette per day.
- Measurable: Log daily cigarette intake to track progress.
- Achievable: Replace smoking with healthier habits like chewing gum.
- Relevant: To improve health and save money.
- Time-bound: Become smoke-free within six months.
8. Travel More
- Specific: Visit three new places in 2024.
- Measurable: Plan trips in January, June, and September.
- Achievable: Save $150 monthly to fund travel expenses.
- Relevant: To enrich life with new experiences.
- Time-bound: Complete trips by December.
9. Get Organized
- Specific: Declutter one room in the house each month.
- Measurable: Take before-and-after photos to track progress.
- Achievable: Set aside two hours every Saturday for organization.
- Relevant: To create a more functional living space.
- Time-bound: Complete decluttering by November.
10. Eat Healthier
- Specific: Add one serving of vegetables to each meal.
- Measurable: Track daily vegetable intake using a food journal.
- Achievable: Start by substituting snacks with healthier options.
- Relevant: To boost energy and improve well-being.
- Time-bound: Make it a daily habit by the end of January.
With SMART goals, you’re setting yourself up for success by making your resolutions practical and achievable. Here’s to a productive New Year! ??
