Happy New Year! We’re a few days into 2016: the holiday parties are done, and things are starting to get back to normal. Does your “normal” for 2016 include some goals for improving your life? We’d like to help!
We hear so much talk about resolutions this time of year, but by February 1, so many of them are completely forgotten. I prefer to think about and set a few goals for the year. What’s the difference?
Goals…
- Are Specific and Measurable: Instead of “I want to lose weight” or “I want to save money,” a goal would be “I will lose 15 pounds” or “I will save $1000 for vacation.”
- Have a Time Frame: Resolutions are ideas that you adopt for a whole year, a goal has a deadline attached, like losing 15 pounds by June for bathing suit season.
- Can be broken down into smaller, achievable milestones: Losing 15 pounds or saving $1000 could both seem pretty daunting, especially if you haven’t succeeded in the past. But if you can break it down, your chances at success are much higher. 15 pounds by June = 2-3 pounds a month until then. Not quite as scary! $1000 for vacation next fall = around $100 a month, or $25 a week until then…still a challenge, but something that can keep you on pace as you go.
- Are shared so there’s accountability: If you have a spouse or friend checking up on your small, measurable milestones, you’re more likely to hit those milestones and achieve your larger goal. You don’t have to shout it from the rooftops, but having a person or two checking in with you and encouraging you can make a huge difference!
On Facebook, several Sisters shared some goals for the coming year, especially in the areas of budgeting, finances, and using coupons. Over the next few days, we’ll offer a few more suggestions to help you set yourself up for success in 2016.
What are your goals for 2016 and beyond? Our Sister and Mister community is a wealth of experience and support, and I know that working together, we can achieve a ton of them. Share your goals in the comments, and we can encourage one another to success!