The start of a new year is often a time for rash statements and unrealistic new year resolutions such as ….

I’m never going to eat chocolate, ever again
I will go to the gym every day
I won’t drink alcohol ever again

Sadly these statements though made with the best of intentions, are likely to fail early in January. It is far better to assess the situation and make a realistic statement that you are likely to be able to maintain. I would suggest that ‘I will only eat chocolate each weekends’ – is more realistic and therefore far more likely to succeed.

Within your business, rash statements such as :

I’m going to work harder and better
I’m going to use my time more effectively
I’m not going to waste time

are all well meant. However they are once again likely to fail because they are vague goals rather than SMART goals where SMART =

S Specific

M Measurable

A Achievable

R Realistic

T Timed

Therefore, the statement ‘I’m going to work harder and faster could be re-phrased to:

From 2nd January I’m going to work 8 hour days, 5 days a week 10.00-6.00pm.
I will work for an hour with full concentration then take a 10 minute break
I will plan each day the night before
I will list key tasks that must be done during that day
I will leave time for a 45 minute lunch break when I will eat healthy food and go for a walk.

By making a goal specific, realistic and timed it is more likely to be achievable and will therefore help to make the way you work more effective.

Its now time to review any remaining new years resolutions and replace them with some well thought out SMART goals that will make 2020 an effective and productive time, in both your personal and business life.

If you would like some help with the creation of your SMART goals for 2020, contact me by email : barbara@barbarahibbartcoaching.co.uk