The fall is often thought of as a time of endings and closure; But what if Fall was actually used a means of self renewel? “Research suggests that it can feel more natural to try on new habits at the start of the school year compared to the start of the calendar year” – Why To Make New Year’s Resolution In The Fall – Gillian Mandich – Huff Post
Creating new and healthy habits will help to increase happiness and create an improved lifestyle. Therefore, as we move into winter, it is safe to assume that, this lifestyle change could help to fight off the winter blues. Certainly coming up with a resolution in the fall is also likely to increase the likelihood that your resolution will carry forward through Christmas and into the New Year.
If you want to create and maintain some of your own fall goals we suggest you try the SMART Goals method. SMART simply stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time Bound.
Make your goal clear and concise. Try to answer the following questions to specify your goal:
- What do I want to accomplish?
- Secondly, Why is this goal important?
- Who is involved?
- Where is it located?
- Which resources or limits are involved?
Being able to measure your goals is important as it allows you to track your progress and stay motivated. Measurable goals will address the following:
- First, How much?
- How many?
- Lastly, How will I know when it’s accomplished?
Make your goal attainable. The more attainable the goal the more successful you will be. To create an attainable goal you should ask and answer the following questions:
- How can I accomplish this goal?
- How realistic is the goal, based on other contraints, such as financial factors?
Ensure that the goal matters to you. Goals that matter to you will drive you forward and keep you motivated. If a goal is relevant you will able to answer yes to all of the following questions:
- Does it seem worthwhile?
- Is this the right time?
- Does this match our other efforts/needs?
- Am I the right person to reach this goal?
- Is it applicable in the current socio-economic environment?
This is the dead line to focus upon. This time setting helps to make sure you everyday life and tasks don’t take over your long term goals. A time bound goal will always snswer the following:
- Second, What can I do six months from now?
- What can I do six weeks from now?
- Lastly, What can I do today?