We’re approaching that point in the year when people refocus naturally on slowing things down rather than being booked and busy. Whether that means setting stricter work-life boundaries this time of year or taking more time off, I know that it’s hard to let loose when you feel you still have so much to do in such little time. Still, with just a few weeks left of 2021, you can re-prioritize your tasks and make an impact by the end of the year. And you can do it without compromising your family and downtime during the holidays by setting SMART goals.
What are SMART goals?
SMART is an acronym that can help you manage your goal-setting and get clear on what you want. Here’s what you should look for using SMART as your guide:
1. Specific
You don’t have much time left before the end of the year, so narrow down your goal as much as possible. This way, you can focus your energy on one project and zero in on your motivation. Ask yourself the What, Why, Where, Who, and Which about your goal to help yourself get clear.
For example, instead of just saying, “I want to start automating areas of my business,” a specific goal would look more like: “I want to find an app to automate my onboarding process by December 13, so that I can better serve my new clients in 2022.” So, what exactly do you want to mark off your to-do list by January 1?
2. Measurable
How do you know whether you achieved your goal?
This is up to you to decide, but you want to be able to track your progress and stay motivated. Remember, it’s all about getting as detailed as possible so you can better manage your time and efforts for the rest of the year!
3. Achievable
Do yourself a favor by getting real with yourself about what’s attainable and what’s not. Is your goal something that you can actually achieve by the end of the year? It might be challenging to let go of a goal you had in mind, but there’s still next year. So, set a goal that you know you can achieve by your deadline if you hold yourself accountable.
4. Relevant
If you already know that you want to spend more time with your loved ones during the holidays, focus your energy on a project that’s worthwhile then. Are your goals consistent with your overarching personal and business goals this year? Is it the right time to do this task?
If a goal doesn’t feel that important to you right now, then maybe it’s best to devote your time and energy elsewhere!
5. Time-bound
A little procrastination doesn’t hurt anybody, right?
But now that you only have a few weeks of the year left, setting a deadline for yourself can help motivate you to reach your goal faster. Ask yourself when you want to complete your plan by and then what can you do today?
You still have time left to make progress on your to-do list by the end of the year, and by setting SMART goals, you can! So what’s one thing you’d still like to achieve by the end of the year?
