The New Year means a new start for us all. Most people set New Year's
Resolutions to allow them to better themselves in the next year. These
goals vary and could be things like developing healthier habits such as
being more active, trying to be more positive, or having a better year
than the last.
Oftentimes these goals last for a short period of time. The reasons are
numerous, but typically these goals don’t meet what is called SMART
goals, which causes them to be more difficult to achieve.
Next time you set a goal, consider shooting for a SMART goal:
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Specific: What exactly will you do?
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Measurable: How will you know if you meet your goal?
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Achievable: What steps are you going to take to reach your goal? Is it something
you can actually achieve?
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Relevant/Realistic: What about your goal makes it important to you?
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Timely: When will you start and when will you complete your goal?
A poor example of a goal: “I will lose 90 pounds this month.”
While this goal is specific, measurable, and timely, it is not achievable
or realistic to anticipate losing such a drastic amount of weight in one month.
An example of a SMART goal: “I will work on having a healthier lifestyle
by going to the gym twice a week.”
This goal is specific, offers a time, is achievable, and has a measure to it.
Enjoy setting some new SMART goals for yourself. Happy New Year!
Lexie Hoffmann is a Provisional Clinical Social Worker (PCSW) in the Campbell County
Medical Group
Kid Clinic. The Kid Clinic is a school-based pediatric clinic offering medical care
for Campbell County students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and
their siblings ages 4 years to 21 years; and counseling services for children
4 years to 21 years. It is located at 800 Butler Spaeth Rd., across from
St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. The Kid Clinic is open Monday-Friday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information,
call 307-688-8700 or visit
www.cchwyo.org/kidclinic. The Kid Clinic is a collaborative effort between
Campbell County Health and
Campbell County School District.