How to set a SMART New Year's Resolution

Posted On: Dec 28, 2017
Written By: Lexie Hoffmann, PCSW

The New Year means a new start for us all. Most people set New Year's Resolutions to allow them to better themselves in the next year. These goals vary and could be things like developing healthier habits such as being more active, trying to be more positive, or having a better year than the last.

Oftentimes these goals last for a short period of time. The reasons are numerous, but typically these goals don’t meet what is called SMART goals, which causes them to be more difficult to achieve.

Next time you set a goal, consider shooting for a SMART goal:

Specific: What exactly will you do?
Measurable: How will you know if you meet your goal?
Achievable: What steps are you going to take to reach your goal? Is it something you can actually achieve?
Relevant/Realistic: What about your goal makes it important to you?
Timely: When will you start and when will you complete your goal?

A poor example of a goal: “I will lose 90 pounds this month.”

While this goal is specific, measurable, and timely, it is not achievable or realistic to anticipate losing such a drastic amount of weight in one month.

An example of a SMART goal: “I will work on having a healthier lifestyle by going to the gym twice a week.”

This goal is specific, offers a time, is achievable, and has a measure to it.

Enjoy setting some new SMART goals for yourself. Happy New Year!

Lexie Hoffmann is a Provisional Clinical Social Worker (PCSW) in the Campbell County Medical Group Kid Clinic. The Kid Clinic is a school-based pediatric clinic offering medical care for Campbell County students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and their siblings ages 4 years to 21 years; and counseling services for children 4 years to 21 years. It is located at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd., across from St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information, call 307-688-8700 or visit www.cchwyo.org/kidclinic. The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between Campbell County Health and Campbell County School District.