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By: Ellie Burgueño, Journalist and Writer.
As the year winds to a close, many of us begin reflecting on the milestones we’ve reached and the aspirations we still hold dear. Crafting a meaningful New Year’s resolution list can be both exciting and daunting. Common things often include commitments to getting fit, fostering healthier habits, pursuing dream jobs, embarking on long-awaited adventures, launching businesses, finding true love, or picking up new skills like learning a language or playing an instrument. Whatever your aspirations may be, taking intentional steps to achieve them can turn these dreams into reality.
But what does it really take to make dreams come true? Over the years, I’ve honed a skill I’d describe as translating imagination into tangible accomplishments. While my faith in God and a habit of prayer play a significant role in my journey, I’ve also learned to create actionable, realistic plans that yield results. Setting achievable goals isn’t just about wishful thinking—it’s about smart planning and disciplined execution.
One concept that has profoundly influenced my approach to goal-setting is the SMART framework, which I also recently revisited during a Google News Initiative workshop this year. The acronym SMART—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—provides a reliable structure for transforming vague aspirations into actionable objectives. As the acclaimed author Paulo Coelho wrote in The Alchemist, “It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” Let’s explore how to make your resolutions SMART and prepare for an incredible 2025.
The SMART Goal Framework
- Specific
Clearly define what you want to accomplish. Avoid vague statements and focus on concrete details that outline the “who,” “what,” “where,” and “why.”
- Example: Instead of saying, “I want to get in shape,” specify, “I want to lose 10 pounds and run a 5K by June 30, 2025.”
- Measurable
Establish criteria for tracking your progress and determining success. Quantify your goals wherever possible to stay motivated and on track.
- Example: Rather than “I want more clients,” aim for, “I want to secure five new clients by the end of the first quarter.”
- Achievable
Set goals that challenge you while remaining realistic, given your resources, constraints, and current abilities. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and discouragement.
- Example: “I want to complete an online certification course in digital marketing within three months while dedicating two hours a week.”
- Relevant
Ensure your goals align with your broader life or professional objectives. Ask yourself why this goal matters and how it fits into your long-term vision.
- Example: “Launching a new product line that appeals to my target audience will help grow my business revenue by 25%.”
- Time-bound
Set a deadline or timeframe to create urgency and focus your efforts. Having a clear end date prevents procrastination and promotes accountability.
- Example: “I want to save $5,000 for a family vacation by October 2025.”
Real-life Applications of SMART Goals
To bring this framework to life, let’s consider a practical example:
Goal: “By March 31, 2025, increase the number of digital subscribers by 15% through targeted email campaigns and social media ads.”
- Specific: Focus on digital subscribers.
- Measurable: Define a 15% increase.
- Achievable: Leverage email campaigns and ads with an established team.
- Relevant: Supports overall business growth strategy.
- Time-bound: Deadline set for March 31, 2025.
Break Goals into Manageable Steps: Psychology professor Dr. Gail Matthews found in her study that people who wrote down their goals and broke them into smaller, actionable steps were 42% more likely to achieve them.
Track Your Progress Regularly: Leadership expert John C. Maxwell emphasizes the importance of monitoring progress. Keeping a journal or using tracking apps can provide insights and motivation as you advance.
Celebrate Small Wins: Recognizing incremental progress can boost your confidence and keep you inspired. As author James Clear suggests in Atomic Habits, “Small changes can lead to remarkable results over time.”
A New Year of Possibilities
As you prepare for the coming year, take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Craft your goals thoughtfully using the SMART framework, and don’t forget to revisit and adjust them as needed throughout the year.
Remember, goal-setting isn’t just about achieving—it’s about growth, learning, and embracing the journey.
Here’s to a 2025 filled with purpose, passion, and progress. May your dreams take flight, and may your goals bring you closer to the life you envision. God bless you and Happy New Year!
