
Smart goals ensure that your resolutions are void of all ambiguity and have the ability to lead to measureable success. You can do this by creating goals that are specific. Make sure your goals do not have multiple interpretations. We all know the New Year means nothing if you’re still in love with your comfort zone—so if this 2015 your resolution is to get out and have some fabulous experiences outside of what you’re used to—your goal should be a lot more precise, say specifically trying Persian cuisine to broaden your taste bud’s horizons.

Next up, your goals need to be quantifiable. If you’ve spent the last year working hard and not focusing as much on your personal life—your resolution might read: BE MORE OUTGOING, but your smart goal will read: WATCH A PLAY TWICE A MONTH. This way, it’s measureable.

Realistic goals that keep you grounded and are potentially attainable is the kind of smart goal making we’re talking about. Climbing Mouth Everest, getting Ryan Gosling to ditch Hollywood for a quiet life with you in the country-side or inventing time-travel, all sound like spectacular resolutions, but they just lack a tiny element of realism. Pick a goal that is actually doable, so that when the time comes, you actually have something to show for it. If being featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art is a dream—start by picking up the paintbrush first.

So in an ideal world—your goal will hit all these benchmarks: specificity, measurability and attainability. This way, by the time you get to the end of each week, you can measure your goal and see how far you’ve come along and what you need to set out to do. If it helps, tell a friend or family member your goal so they too can hold you accountable. Smart goals are the way to go if you’re looking for some real change, and with that here’s wishing you a fabulous and fruitful 2015!
Written by Nazneen Joshi on 5th Jan 2015