Do you make resolutions...or goals? In the past I've tried both, and I've come to the conclusion that resolutions just don't cut it for me, but goals do.
A quick look at dictionary.com shows us the differences between the two terms.
Resolution: the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.
Goal: The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective.
Well, honestly, their not that different. The two words share a close relationship with resolution being more of a decision to do something, and goals being what your resolving to do! In my mind, though, they are worlds apart.
I look at resolutions and I think of the millions of people who set out on New Years Day with a list of things they plan to accomplish that year. Some of them will reach their goals, but many more will find themselves falling way short, some of them within the first days of the new year. I know I have often been one of those people.
I look at goals and I see myself setting out with a much more structured plan. When I was in management training we learned to us the SMART acronym to help us set our goals, and then achieve them. I also see goals as something that can be adjusted as you go along to come closer to meeting with what's truly realistic.
This year, instead of setting resolutions, I'm setting goals. What's more, I'm only setting them for the next three months, and then I plan to review them and set new goals! Why? Well, a year is just way to long. So many things can happen in a year, and it's hard to set good goals for that period of time.
Before I tell you what my goals are, here's a brief overview of the SMART acronym I mentioned earlier, more information can be found here.
Specfic
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely (or Time Bound)
My goals:
In my personal life:
~ Finish unpacking and organizing the apartment. (I know this might seem a little silly, but believe me, it can be a challenge with my health problems!)
In my Jewelry business:
~ Open shop in two new on-line venues.
~ Make at least $100 a month.
~ Set up two consignment deals.
(note: I have much more detailed plans with each of these...)
In my Blogging world:
~ Begin making money off of this blog.
~ Start and maintain a serial fiction story (I have big plans for this)
~ Improve my writing skills through consistent practice, both with fiction writing and non-fiction writing.
What are your goals for the next few months or the next year?
A quick look at dictionary.com shows us the differences between the two terms.
Resolution: the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.
Goal: The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective.
Well, honestly, their not that different. The two words share a close relationship with resolution being more of a decision to do something, and goals being what your resolving to do! In my mind, though, they are worlds apart.
I look at resolutions and I think of the millions of people who set out on New Years Day with a list of things they plan to accomplish that year. Some of them will reach their goals, but many more will find themselves falling way short, some of them within the first days of the new year. I know I have often been one of those people.
I look at goals and I see myself setting out with a much more structured plan. When I was in management training we learned to us the SMART acronym to help us set our goals, and then achieve them. I also see goals as something that can be adjusted as you go along to come closer to meeting with what's truly realistic.
This year, instead of setting resolutions, I'm setting goals. What's more, I'm only setting them for the next three months, and then I plan to review them and set new goals! Why? Well, a year is just way to long. So many things can happen in a year, and it's hard to set good goals for that period of time.
Before I tell you what my goals are, here's a brief overview of the SMART acronym I mentioned earlier, more information can be found here.
Specfic
Measurable
Attainable
Realistic
Timely (or Time Bound)
My goals:
In my personal life:
~ Finish unpacking and organizing the apartment. (I know this might seem a little silly, but believe me, it can be a challenge with my health problems!)
In my Jewelry business:
~ Open shop in two new on-line venues.
~ Make at least $100 a month.
~ Set up two consignment deals.
(note: I have much more detailed plans with each of these...)
In my Blogging world:
~ Begin making money off of this blog.
~ Start and maintain a serial fiction story (I have big plans for this)
~ Improve my writing skills through consistent practice, both with fiction writing and non-fiction writing.
What are your goals for the next few months or the next year?
8 comments:
goals to me seem more attainable. Since I'm at work, your post got me thinking of the Strategic Planning I did for the Museum's collections. One of the methods of writing this, was to look at needs and actions. It really helped us on priorities too. Maybe I can write something up about this....hum....
I don't make resolutions so I don't feel guilty if I break them. I know I need to make goals and have been trying to do that for the next 3 1/2 months so I can survive tax season while keeping up with blogging and Etsy. You have been a big help in motivating me to make goals and I appreciate that! I wish you much success in obtaining your goals. By the way, how do you make money on a blog?
That's a great question Beaded - maybe I'll blog about my journey towards making money :)
awesome goals ruthie! I prefer goals to resolutions also...the only prolem is keeping the quantity within reason.
best of luck with yours.
great goals Ruthie!! I know you can meet them.
I'm a goal setter, for sure. I put my goals for this year on the sidebar of my blog, so I'll see them regularly and can't get lazy about them!
Sounds great, happy new year and good luck with your fictional story!
Thank you for explaining the SMART acronym. You've inspired me to make some attainable goals!
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