3 Ways to Set Goals You’ll Keep
The new year is an opportunity for new beginnings – including setting new goals! Whether big or small, setting resolutions can help create a path to greater happiness and freedom. Here’s the thing – setting and keeping resolutions isn’t one size fits all, so this year, try a different approach to keep those resolutions!
SMART
SMART goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time bound.
How to use it: Create goals that stick within the constraints of the attributes above. This includes answering questions like: What you want to accomplish (be specific), how you’ll know when it’s accomplished (make it measurable), how realistic is the goal (it should be achievable), does it seem worthwhile (is it relevant), and when can you accomplish it (set time parameters).
Pros and Cons: The SMART system provides clarity and motivation for a goal. On the other hand, answering the questions above requires a level of thought that some might not want to put into every goal.
OKR
OKR stands for Objectives and Key Results.
How to use it: OKR goals are written with Objectives at the top, followed by three to five supporting Key Results below. An example might be, “I want to save $5,000 by year-end. So, I will switch to the envelope system, open a new savings account called “Goals,” and put change from purchases into it.”
Pros and Cons: Like the SMART system, OKR helps you create clear goals. It takes a little practice to write successful OKRs, though, since there are plenty of common OKR mistakes. Providing insufficient Key Results to support the Objective is a common one.
PACT
PACT stands for Purposeful, Actionable, Continuous, and Trackable.
How to use it: Following PACT goals means setting a Purposeful intent, being Actionable with what you can do today, planning Continuous experimentations of your goal, and Tracking progress over time.
Pros and Cons: PACT goals focus on output, which tends to work well for long-term goals. For a more immediate goal, a different approach might work better.
This new year can be your best one yet, and we can help! Contact our office today to make sure your financial goals are in step with your personal ones.
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