This is it. We’re in the final hours of 2016 and I’m sure like me some of you are reflecting back on those resolutions you made long ago at the beginning of this year. Well if you’re like me, you likely didn’t achieve them all.

Completing your New Year’s resolutions isn’t just about the motivation behind it, though that’s part of it, it’s about setting realistic goals. 2017: it’s a brand new year and a chance to finally create some goals you can achieve. Whether they’re personal or professional, short term or long term, this is the year for making SMART goals.

When you ask what are SMART goals and how they’re different from any other resolutions we might make, here’s your answer: SMART goals are goals made using a method of making Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic and Time-based goals. By making your New Year’s resolutions SMART, you’re more likely to achieve them–making them a “smart” choice.

For instance, I know “weight loss” and “getting more exercise” are commonly set goals, so if that’s my goal I need to make it more specific, to make it SMART. Here’s an example of how I could do just that:

S – Specific – “I want to exercise at least 3 times a week in 2017.”

M – Measurable – I have a number goal in mind, 3 times a week, and I can track it on a weekly basis.

A – Action-oriented – How will I exercise? Walking, biking, sports, going to the gym, swimming in the summer perhaps? Clearly set actions to “exercise” during a typical week.

R – Realistic – This is the hard one because it’s more than just getting a membership at a local gym, I actually have to go to it and with my busy schedule that’s difficult. For me, I have to incorporate this into my lifestyle. Whether that be parking further away from the store or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, it’s these little decisions I can make to keep me on track.

T – Time-based – Is this a short-term or a long-term goal? And also, how long do I want to exercise? Since it’s a goal for the entire 2017 year, I can even set a checkpoint where I look at my progress and reanalyze if I need to rein it in or if I can expand it further.

There are a lot of things that can go into SMART goals, but you’re free to make it as simple or detailed as you want.  Don’t be afraid to change them halfway through the year or even use this method when making other goals during the year.

Happy New Year from all of us at Insurance Alliance Group. We look forward to helping you in 2017.