/*from pinterest*/
 Just in time for Resolution Making, here are the 5 things that make up “SMART” GOALS.
 
SMART GOALS are
 
S = Specific
M = Measurable
A = Attainable
R = Realistic
T = Timely
 
SMART GOAL EXAMPLES
 
Specific
Instead of “lose weight”
Try
  • join Weight Watchers this Saturday
  • walk for 15 minutes every day
  • buy carrots
Measurable
Instead of “write every day”
Try
  • set the timer for x minutes and keep my hands moving until the timer rings
  • produce 4 pages today
  • produce 4 pages by Monday
Attainable
If the goal is too far out of reach, it will not motivate you.
Instead of “write a novel a month”
Try
  • write one chapter a month (or two chapters, or three)
  • something that you have a possibility of achieving
  • but don’t make it TOO easy
Realistic
Instead of “never eat sweets again”
Try
  • I can have one chocolate a day with a cup of tea at 4 o’clock
If that is not realistic, start by limiting yourself to one box a day . . .
 
Timely
Set a timeframe such as
  • by Sunday
  • by Jan 31
  • by my next CARWA meeting
  • when the timer rings
Perhaps you don’t like the idea of setting goals and/or making resolutions?
Then I can highly recommend Tami Clayton’s blog about the Un-Resolution List which you can find here.
 

I love Tami’s approach and think I will follow suit this year. I will set some SMART goals (particularly for my writing) but I will keep an Un-Resolution List to think about, and do, in no particular order or timeframe.

My Un-Resolution List

Walk in the forest
Do angel wings in the water
Snowshoe
Enjoy the moment
Read widely
Sing
Take pictures
Make photo albums
Treasure each day
Watch sunrises
Sip lattes with friends
Count stars
Learn about constellations
Dream of possibilities
Practice Spanish
Listen to ballads
Savour good wine
Talk to the dog
Encourage others
Add to this list

Do you make resolutions? Or do you prefer the fluidity and freedom of Un-Resolutions? Do you have a favourite resolution you make over and over?

Happy New Year! May 2013 bring you all you are hoping for.

I will close with the immortal words of Dr. Seuss:
 
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
 
coffee bean 2013 from photos.com #155686049