Welcome to 2021! Since most New Year’s resolutions fail, I’ve found that following a special acronym helps me create attainable goals, and see the process through.

For the sake of this column, I’m going to use personal growth examples, versus business growth. I’ll leave the business growth part to the experts, like Tom Cline (see page 38). Although these tips certainly can be applied to business and leadership, too!

Create goals that are…

SPECIFIC: Be as clear and concise as possible with your goal. For example, instead of saying you’d like to work out more, say you want to work out for 30 minutes at least four times per week.

MEASURABLE: Can your goal be quantified? Can you accurately keep track of it using tools around you.

ATTAINABLE: Don’t set yourself up with a goal that isn’t realistic. For example, if you decide to making running one of the ways you work out, don’t also make part of your goal to become real-life besties with Shalane Flanagan.

RELEVANT: Does your goal complement your life goals and objectives? Can you prioritize this goal without jeopardizing other things you hold dear?

TIME-BOUND: What’s the end game? To establish new, life-long habits of working out? To run a half marathon? To lose a few pounds? Break your goal down on a timeline so you have increments you can achieve along the way to the ultimate goal!

Stay SMART with your goals in 2021 I cannot wait to hear what you achieve!