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Interviewing high school students, I enjoyed listening to their new year’s resolutions for 2019. From cleaning their room to achieving more on the court and in the classroom, it was refreshing to hear youth reflecting on ways to set new goals no matter how big or small.

My only worry is will 2019 see the goal achieved?

Every year it seems, I make a long list of to-dos or changes. I fill my list with new resolutions and goals, but have yet to see a year where I accomplished them all.

According to data from YouGov Omnibus, I am not alone.

A recent study shows 31% of Americans who made resolutions in 2018, did not stick to them. From exercising more to saving money, Americans across the board did not accomplish most of the goals set. Other Americans were apart of the 54% that did not make resolutions at all.

So what is the key to setting goals and achieving them for 2019? How can this year be different?

According to Peter Drucker’s Management by Objectives, there is an acronym that can benefit us all. Drucker claims in order to set clear and reachable goals, each one should be S.M.A.R.T. The acronym stands for:

 

Specific-simple, sensible, significant

Measurable- meaningful and motivating

Achievable-attainable

Relevant-reasonable and realistic

Time bound- timely

 

Basically, if you set a goal to climb a mountain, you must train. Or if you want to run a marathon, you have to prepare. The same is true when setting resolutions.

 

Therefore, be smart when setting your new year’s resolution. Use the acronym before adding the next resolution to the list. Most of all best wishes for a happy, successful, joyful 2019!