Tips on Tuesday: I resolve...

Well, another new year has begun and it seem like everyone is talking about their New Year's Resolutions. I have a fairly strict policy of no New Year's Resolutions. I find them to generally be made with no real belief that they will be accomplished.

I've always believed in a more goal-oriented style. I tend to set my goals to run with the school year and add a few minor ones over summer vacation. This year, however, finds me in a place of quandary. I worked a part-time job for the Christmas season and found that for six weeks, my goals (and most of my life) had to be put on hold while I just tried to keep clean clothes on my kids and food on our table. 

So this year, I am NOT making any resolutions. I AM making goals to carry me to the end of the school year. I'm a firm believer in using the SMART goal-setting method. 

Is your goal:

1. Specific (What exactly will you accomplish?)

2. Measurable (How will you know when you've reached the goal?)

3. Achievable (Is the goal realistic to achieve with effort and commitment?)

4. Relevant (How is this goal significant to your life?)

5. Timely (When will the goal be achieved?)

I'm setting some goals to get my house back in order after six weeks of neglect. I'm setting a goal for cleaning out kid closets and getting a specific number of items prepared to sell at the spring consignment sale I participate in. I'm also setting a goal to reconnect with friends--which means I make some time for me. 

I hope you will create or take some time to check in on your goals. Are you moving towards where you want to be? Keep me posted on your progress. I'll let you know how things are going here, too.