Dr. Rivian Lewin shares some essential tips for managing goals this month.

As we welcome a new year, the tradition of setting New Year’s Resolutions is top of mind. This is a time many of us focus on self-improvement, growth, and change…Consider a few helpful suggestions below as you navigate your New Year’s Resolutions:

Anchor Your Resolutions To Your Values:
Rather than sitting down and devising a list of “to-do’s,” consider the type of person you want to be and the values you hold most dear. Goals carry greater meaning when they are connected to our self-identified values. Perhaps you value close friendships, time in nature, exploring new places…Consider how your resolutions can align with your values.
Use a ‘SMART goal’ Framework to Create Goals:
Modifying behavior is not always easy…It’s helpful to turn aspirations into specific, achievable goals. Try using the SMART criteria…a SMART goal is:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant to my values
- Time-bound
  For instance, rather than a vague resolution like “connect with others”, a SMART goal could be “I will plan a dinner with a friend this Friday night to engage with my values for building and keeping community.”
Create a System for Tracking Progress and Celebrating Accountability:
Tracking progress can significantly enhance motivation and accountability. Monitoring your progress through apps, journalling, etc., can create opportunities to celebrate growth, notice setbacks, and maintain motivation over time. Having a visual representation of your efforts makes the road to a goal more tangible, doable, and rewarding.
Move Toward Resolutions with Mindfulness and Flexibility:
It is important to approach your aspirations with mindfulness and flexibility. Allow yourself flexibility and understanding if you decide to make adjustments to your goals. Sometimes, allowing yourself to adapt your plans actually enables you to continue to move toward your values more effectively. When you notice you are not carrying out a goal as planned, ask yourself, “What can I do IN THIS MOMENT that points me in the direction of my ultimate goal/value?”