Take a look at these two words and their definitions:

• Resolution: a firm decision to do or not to do something.
• Goal: the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.

They’re pretty similar, yet one often gets a bad rap and is only heard at this time of year. Why is that? Maybe because they’re often made quickly or without a plan? For whatever reason, why not put resolutions aside for 2021 and start by setting some goals?

Why Set Goals for 2021?

Is there someone you admire who seems to have accomplished a lot? Does it seem like they’ve got it all together? Then they’re probably setting goals.

Studies have shown that successful people, whether it be in business, sports, relationships – you name it – set goals for themselves. They set both long-term and short-term goals and then work to make them happen – all while making adjustments as needed.

Goals have also been shown to increase a person’s self-confidence (which makes attaining goals easier) and provide a sense of achievement as small goals along the way to larger goals are met. So, it’s time to set some goals!

Where Do I Start When Setting Goals?: If you’re ready to get serious with setting some goals, you may be wondering where to begin. It’s easiest to start with your big goal – and then work backward to create smaller goals that will get you there. And then get to work making things happen! And remember, goals can be made for just about any aspect of your life! Goals might be:

• Related to your career
• Financial
• Educational
• Family/Relationships
• Physical/Health
• Artistic
• Emotional/Mindset

Make Your Goals SMART: You’ve probably heard the acronym SMART when it comes to making goals. Take a look at what SMART stands for as you start to set goals for yourself.

• Specific/Significant – Your goals should be specific or significant to you. For example, yes, “to make more money” is a goal – but it’s not very specific. Instead, your goal might be “to make $750 more per month.” That goal is specific to you and your situation.
• Measurable/Meaningful – Yes, your goals should be measurable or meaningful. “To make more money” is not a measurable goal. Do you want to make $1 more or $750? When you attach a number to your goal (in this specific case), you make it both measurable and meaningful.
• Attainable/Action-Oriented – “To make $750 more per month” needs to have an action attached to it in order to help you achieve it. Perhaps, your goal is, “To make $750 more per month by working with 3-5 additional clients.” Now you have an action you can work with!
• Relevant/Rewarding – Why is your goal important to you? Why is it relevant? Or, what’s your reward? Take your goal writing a step further. “To make $750 more per month by working with 3-5 additional clients so I can pay off my car loan.”
• Time-Bound/Trackable – “To make $750 more per month by working with 3-5 additional clients so I can pay off my car loan by the end of 2021” is a time-bound or trackable goal – on several levels. You can check to see if you are actually reaching your money goal each month. You can see if you’ve picked up 3-5 additional clients in the month. You can also see if you’ve paid off your car loan by the end of 2021.

Remember to keep your goals realistic. Then be sure to set small steps that will help you achieve them. Also, don’t be afraid to adjust as needed. 

“Progress, not perfection,” is a great phrase to keep in mind when it comes to achieving your goals in 2021. Use these steps to set some fantastic goals for yourself and make 2021 an excellent year!