A goal without a plan is just a dream.  As we near the start of a new year and think of the accomplishments we want to achieve, it’s important to realize that all of those wishes and dreams are just that, dreams… unless we set out a plan to make them happen.  Goals are great, but SMART goals will actually get you somewhere!

• SMART Goals are…
  • Specific
    • Be specific about what you want to achieve.
    • If you want to save a certain amount of money, don’t just say you want to save money. You need to say I want to save $5,000.00 this year.
  • Measurable
    • You must be able to provide a way to evaluate that the goal was achieved.
    • With our example of saving money, seeing your savings account grow is measurable.
  • Achievable
    • Set your goals high enough that they aren’t necessarily easy, but actually achievable.
    • If you would love to save $50,000 in the next year but only make $50,000 total, that is not achievable.
  • Relevant
    • Make the goal yours. It must be something that you want to achieve for yourself.
    • Savings $5,000 is relevant to you.
  • Time-bound
    • Set a time limit. Once you set that time limit, break down the goal into smaller increments so it doesn’t seem overwhelming.
    • You want to save $5,000 in the next year? Think about it this way:  There are 52 weeks a year so you will need to save $96.15 per week or $416.67 per month.

Setting goals, and more importantly, SMART goals, will help you achieve more.  Having wishes and dreams is great.  But, when you set a goal you give yourself a roadmap for the next week, month, year or five years to help you to realize those dreams.

Time is a limited resource and the one thing in life that is the same for everyone.  Setting SMART goals will help you do more with yours.

Melissa Herzog, Payroll Manager